Four by Two Films, Kanzaman,
Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley, Jason Mantzoukas, John C. Reilly, B.J. Novak, Chris Elliott, Fred Armisen, J.B. Smoove, Megan Fox
General Aladeen (Sasha Baron Cohen), dictator of the Republic of Wadiya, loves to oppress his people and fight democracy. His whole purpose in life seems to be to bring attention to himself, and life a life of luxury taking advantage of all the benefits of capitalism without any of the work. Rich oil reserves set him up for a life on Easy Street. But some people would like to end his role, so while in the US on a visit, his all female crack lifeguard force protects him for all the bad things that could be coming his way including a usurper and those who want him dead.
Has Sasha Cohen jumped the shark? [For the meaning of this term, click here.] In my opinion, he is a has-been. Sorry, but he has attempted to offend everyone possible, and there’s no one else to pick on, so he’s back making fun of the Arab’s again. There are about 2 1/2 decent gags in this film, and all of those were in the preview. I was actually pretty anxious to see this film, and almost went to the theater to catch it so I wouldn’t have to wait. Boy am I glad I didn’t burn my hard earned cash on this waste of time. It just really seemed pointless to me. Naturally he has to pull out the body double bit, all the way back from Mark Twain’s “The Prince and the Pauper”. It’s not very unique here, it’s the same-old same-old.
I like slap stick, and I love puns and verbal play. I enjoy impressions and character sketches. But there’s really nothing here we haven’t seen over and over again from this guy. His stunt with Ryan Seacrest on the red carpet at the Oscar’s was dumb and not funny, and the film is even worse. Trust me that “sight gag” is hysterical compared to most of the stuff on this film. I was really sorely disappointed and very, very bored throughout the whole thing. I have to say, I was impressed with his first film, and the second one, though not nearly as good has some really funny stuff in it and it was over the top offensive. This one is very stale, and it just annoying. Woody Allen did this kind of stuff even better way back in the 70’s. If you haven’t been sucked in to this yet, please avoid it. If you go ahead, don’t blame me, cause I warned you. This guy needs to come up with something new. This isn’t it.
EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog
john said
September 11 2012 @ 10:49 am
Well i have to disagree as me an my family and a whole lot of friends have seen this not just in the theatres, but own the dvd as well and maybe it is because you are from a different era then the rest of us because i have noticed people from who grew up back in the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s,and even early 70’s have a different outlook on life and movies and so much has changed since then, because now a days every child is forced to grow up so much faster, so we really thought it was funny and really good and hope he makes another one. Oh and no insult was intended while writing this comment lol take care and keep up the reviews i really enjoy your opinion on them.
EdG said
September 11 2012 @ 1:14 pm
Glad you enjoyed it. No offense taken, as of course, movies, like all other forms of art are subjective. I thought Sasha was funny in the beginning, but I guess I’ve gotten tired of it. That’s all. Thanks for your comments.
Ed