Albert Brooks, a Jewish-American comedian, is asked by the United States government to travel to India and Pakistan to find out "what makes Muslims laugh."

Upon reaching India, Brooks begins interviewing Indians and gathering material for the 500-page essay expected of him from the government.

Brooks' interviews and a failed stand-up performance begin to attract the attention of the Indian government, who fear he is a spy of some sort.

Unable to get a visa, Brooks illegally enters Pakistan for four hours to interview several fledgling Pakistani comedians, the Indian government becomes even more paranoid, increasing border control.

The site's consensus states: "Although the premise seems ripe for laughs, Albert Brooks isn't ruthless or clever enough to pull it off.