Review of The Dictator (2012) by Barry R — 04 Apr 2013

The only real problem with The Dictator is that features both very clever and very stupid comedy, but never really finds a balance between them.

It doesn't really matter though, because The Dictator instantly becomes fairly racist and takes a step beyond satirizing dictatorship and just gives it the finger, and the product is hilarious. It just makes dictatorship seem even stupider.

It features similarities to Borat and Bruno in the sense that it's about a character lost in american culture, but this time around the extent of the hilarity can be created by the filmmakers rather than coming naturally from placing the character in strange real life situations. Also, it again success in satirizing America.

The character Aladeen is hilarious, and is a massive improvement over Bruno and even funnier as a character than Borat because of his lack of general knowledge but knowledge of his country's customs which makes terrorism seem funnier the ever. Sacha Baron Cohen is perfect for the role and instantly believable as Aladeen.

Good support comes for Anna Faris who adds good dramedy to the story and Ben Kingsley who adds a sense of mystery.

The Dictator has a fairly Comedically strong screenplay and is full of enjoyable random humour with a consistent amount of laughs.

So although it's new turf for us, The Dictator is nothing new to Sacha Baron Cohen who consistently delivers laughs with a natural grace.