Exporting Raymond (2010)

'Exporting Raymond' is a documentary that follows 'Everybody Loves Raymond' creator and producer Philip Rosenthal around as he assists in the birthing of a Russian adaptation of the television series that made him a wealthy man. While Rosenthal was not an in front of the camera personality on the hit show that ran from 1996 to 2005, he fortunately is capable as one here, this movie would not have worked without that.  Low key and affable, but with a through line of the slightly vexed, Rosenthal presides over a comedy of bureaucracy and cross cultural frustration and misunderstanding. Though at times it feels as though the show might never get off the ground, eventually it proves a great success, and the two episodes of 'Everybody Loves Koysta' including as special features on the DVD are definitely worth seeing. I liked 'Everybody Loves Raymond' though was never a regular viewer, this movie helped me appreciate the show more and puts me in a more receptive mood to watch if I stumble upon it while flipping through the channels. Like the show that inspired it this movie is slightly quirky and certifiably pleasant. ***