Directed by:
Larry CharlesCinematography:
Lawrence SherComposer:
Erran Baron CohenCast:
Sacha Baron Cohen, Aasif Mandvi, Anna Faris, Adeel Akhtar, Horatio Sanz, Ben Kingsley, Megan Fox, B.J. Novak, John C. Reilly, Kevin Corrigan, Jason Mantzoukas (more)Plots(1)
Oil rich and isolated, the North African state of Wadiya has been ruled by the vehemently anti-West Aladeen since he was six, when he was named Supreme Leader after the unfortunate death of his father, sadly killed in a hunting accident – hit by 97 stray bullets and a hand grenade. Since his ascension to absolute power, Aladeen’s trusted advisor has been his Uncle Tamir, who serves as Head of the Secret Police, Chief of Security and Procurer or Women. Unfortunately for Aladeen and his advisors, the much-despised West has begun to poke its nose into Wadiyan affairs, and the United Nations has repeatedly sanctioned the country over the last decade – the Dictator is not about to let a Security Council inspector into his secret weapons facility… don’t they know what “secret” means? But after an assassination attempt takes the life of yet another ringer for the Supreme Leader, Tamir convinces Aladeen to go to New York to address the United Nations’ concerns. And so General Aladeen, Tamir and their entourage arrive in New York to a not-so-warm reception, as the city is rife with exiled Wadiyans, who only wish to see their country freed from Aladeen’s despotic rule. But much more than angry expatriates and unwanted (and unwarranted!) sanctions await Aladeen in the Land of the Free… (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (10)
Who likes Ali G, Borat, or, in my opinion, the worst Bruno, will definitely like this satire on The Dictator. Someone might say that the whole movie is insanely obvious, but I simply enjoyed it. It wasn't top-notch, but a few jokes were flawless. Sacha Baron Cohen once again completely immersed himself in his dictator Aladeen, for example, at the last Oscars awards, he spilled the ashes of his friend and partner Kim Jong Il on the presenter. I simply loved the whole advertising, concept, and execution. If it weren't for the fact that the story is completely classic, I would give it a five. However, due to the series of pop culture references and overall references to dictatorship, it deserves such a rating. I laughed. Definitely one of the best comedies this year.
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The transition to full fiction doesn’t fit Cohen at all. Where Borat and Bruno were sharply satirical thanks to their documentary format, which allowed average Americans to make complete fools of themselves, The Dictator is only eager and a little vapid. Cohen barks and bites in every direction again, but this time it feels as if instead of proper fangs, he had fake teeth. Some of the scenes are incredibly funny (birth! head! onanism!), but I was struck by a great deal of slag (so-so jokes) and many scenes that spend minutes lazily bordering the cringe, only to fizzle out without producing anything very funny (the scene on the helicopter that looked good in the trailer is ruined in the film). There are some good moments, but I expected (and wanted) something much sharper. 6+
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It seems to me that Sacha Baron Cohen will not be able to replicate the success of Borat. He failed with Brüno and this time he gave up on the documentary form and tried a real film with a real plot... And although it turned out better, it's also often kind of contradictory. There are many hilarious situations, but also a lot of unnecessary (and repeated) “jokes", plus a pretty lame ending that, in my opinion, only pretends to take a shot at similar clichés. Three and a half.
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Sacha Baron Cohen is one of the most original comedians of today, as well as one of the most controversial, who is not afraid to go to extremes. His films "Borat" or "Brüno" are clearly controversial films, with the first one based on the United States of America and the second... well, actually that one too. The same goes for his new film "The Dictator", where he mocks Arab dictators, but also the world's fear that behind every Arab there is a potential terrorist. The most brilliant scene in the film is the scene in the scenic helicopter, where two Arabs and two Americans are sitting. The Arabs are joking in their language and the only thing the Americans hear are words that they are afraid of. I don't want to reveal more because this is really a scene that one must see. If you don't laugh out loud at this, then nothing will make you laugh. Sacha Baron Cohen has a sometimes simply silly humor, but at times he is absolutely brilliant. He is critical, he is bizarre, he is vulgar, and he is foolish. Together, it makes a comedy that either impresses or disgusts you. But isn't the power of controversy in this crazy comedian? Keep going. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/05/9-umelec-diktator-nacho-libre-rise.html
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Finally, Cohen again shows himself in the best possible light. His dictator is no different in content from the yokel reporter Borat, but it’s clear that Sacha is again one step ahead, knows what he wants and purposely goes after it. Plus, with his massive beard and unlimited power, he's even more fitting than he is with a Kazakh flag or a mankini, the humour is no longer twisted solely around raunchy or downright controversial themes, and the presence of several stars in the cast suggests that Aladeen will be far more accessible and thoughtful than all of Cohen's previous characters combined. The film has its weak spots and some of the jokes are a bit dodgy, but on the whole it’s a precisely measured, brisk and imaginative satire, the basis of which is better not to think about at all and instead just let yourself ride the wave of Cohen's specific humour, which you will enjoy to the fullest. I didn't expect much after the tragic Bruno, but The Dictator managed to entertain and relax me all the more...
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