review by Mr. DuLac Pro
The Dictator 2012
Watched May 19, 2012
Mr. DuLac’s review:
Now who is the Lasist?
-Aladeen
It's offensive, obscene, disgusting, vulgar and above all quite funny. Is it really that offensive? Well that depends on the person. It takes an Archie Bunker approach to the comedy. In other words it's not the racism that is funny, but the ignorance of the racist. Over 30 years later some people still find All in the Family offensive and not funny, so it's safe to say some people will think the same of this movie. I by no means think that The Dictator is making the same level of social commentary that All in the Family was, but the way the humor is approached is the same... in a broad way... if you're looking at it from afar... really quick.
The film is actually quite funny, but it just never goes past "quite funny". Some gags work, some others only so-so, but none of them really bomb or go into hilarious territory either. The film is worth watching for the simple fact that Sir Ben Kingsley has a couple of scenes with Bobby Lee where they discuss paying for oral sex from male Hollywood stars. It's either funny or tragic for Kingsley's career and should be witnessed either way.
While it's not a spectacular film, I think Sacha Baron Cohen should move away from these types of films now and end it on a somewhat high note. I feel this is as far as he can go with these characters and still be funny. It's time to move on before we no longer find them funny.
Funny how you mention that Sacha should leave these kinds of films. He's actually taking part of Tarantino's Django Unchained. While that movie certainly isn't a slapstick comedy, Sacha might have a comic relief role...or he might surprise us all with a serious role. Who knows?
Last I heard he (Sacha Baron Cohen), along with Kurt Russell, had to drop out of Django Unchained.
I think he has it in him for serious roles and I'm happy to hear he's in Django Unchained, I had no idea he was. I really do think he's talented, but he should move away from these movies before they become stale and he ends up being the next Adam Sandler.
@Richad Trondsen - Looking at IMDB he isn't listed for Django, but he is listed for Les Misérables as Monsieur Thénardier, which is an important role. He's also pushing to star as Freddy Mercury in a biopic that is backed by Queen so there is still hope for him yet.
goddamn it.
Watched it. Though it was good... not great... but good. Agree with pretty much what you said.