The Dictator

For forty years, the North African Republic of Wadiya has been ruled by Admiral General Aladeen (Sacha Baron Cohen), a lecherous, anti-western and antisemitic despot who surrounds himself with female bodyguards and intends to develop nuclear weapons. After the United Nations Security Council resolves to intervene militarily, Aladeen travels to the UN Headquarters in New York City to address the council. During his stay, he is kidnapped and shaven by a hitman (John C. Reilly) hired by his traitorous uncle Tamir (Ben Kingsley). Tamir intends to replace Aladeen with a political decoy, who he can manipulate into signing a document democratizing Wadiya and opening the country's oil reserves for business. Aladeen escapes and is discovered by activist Zoey (Anna Farris), who offers him a job at her co-op. But unlike his previous films like Borat and Bruno this isn't a mockumentery.

Cohen gets in character that is vulgar, crude and each line is deliver thick with satire. Is this his best character? Personally I don't think so. It isn't terrible, I have to admit I never saw Ali G Indahouse but I have seen Borat, Bruno and his countless cameos in other comedies. So yes I am a fan of Cohen and his outlandish humor. But many people won't be and many people dislike his humor. If you hated Borat, Bruno and Ali G, then avoid this movie. It isn't strong enough of a comedy for me to recommend it to people that hate Cohen.

Ben Kingsly did a great job of being a treacherous right hand man to the dictator. Anna Farris was also quite a surprise, some movies she is hit or miss but I quite enjoyed her in this. They really dressed her down, I barely recognized her until she started to talk. The love story is a very basic one but I did enjoy it. I mean I saw it coming but the jokes were flying around so much I bet many viewers missed them.  The movie also does an interesting thing with it's soundtrack.

There are popular rap and pop songs sung in either a real Arabic language or a made up one. I'm not quite sure but the cover of Dr. Dre's The Next Episode had to be the best thing. It was such a surprise and the song itself made me smile. So if you couldn't tell I quite enjoyed this crude comedy that may let down many comedy fans. It doesn't hit that many hot button issues but it still has many good satirical slights against both sides of the political spectrum.  

So if you want to see an outlandish comedy, make sure you're not easily offended or you will despise the entire movie. So Cohen fans, check this one out and tell me what you think of it!