THE DICTATOR

Thanks to Kish Persad for the request to review this film!

Politically incorrect.  Offensive.  Hilarious.  These are words that are often used to describe Sacha Baron Cohen.


This, I believe, is his first attempt at being the main star of his own movie that was not filmed as a majority of practical jokes while in character.  Seeing as he grew way too popular to pull off another "Borat" or "Bruno", he basically had to go old school with this film and just make a straight up movie.

Haven't seen this yet, not sure if I should...but it looks so darn funny!

Let's just get this out of the way:  it's very insulting!  It's insulting to Jewish people, it's insulting to women, it's insulting to Middle Eastern people, it's even a little insulting to America...but that shock value is exactly what sets Sacha apart from all the other comedy actors.  He is not afraid to make fun of everyone nor insult them just to get a laugh.  That being said, if you have thick skin and a big sense of humor, you'll find this movie VERY funny!

Offensive & disgusting, but very funny!

This movie had shades (very dim shades) of the classic film "The Great Dictator" in that the main actor plays the roles of both the dictator and the poor person who looks identical to the dictator and who eventually takes the dictator's place.  With roles reversed, the lesser man has the opportunity to create a Democracy in their countries with their new found authority.  That's where the similarities end.  Don't expect big, compelling and moving speeches like the one Charlie Chaplin gave (now THAT is a speech the presidential candidates need to hear and learn from!!)...but expect cheap racial jokes and anti feminist jargon from Sacha.

Yes, there were two parts of the film that were raunchy (very short parts, no longer than a minute each), but you can expect these moments from Baron Cohen in any of his films.

What we have here is a different kind of setup though...in this movie, the dictator is the hero!  This adds even more comedy to this film!  Not to mention that every song (from rap to R&B) used in the soundtrack is American, yet they are sung in Arab!  Funny funny stuff!

Overall, decent movie.  Probably wouldn't watch it again, but it had its laughs.

My Rating:

3.000058298723 out of 5 stars


Be Well

Jay