The Dictator (2012)

Directed by Larry Charles

Starring Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris and Ben Kingsley

 

 

Alladeen is the dictator of the little African country Waadeya. His main plans are to create nuclear weapons to use against other countries in the world. Unfortunately his right hand man, played by Ben Kingsley, doesn’t like Alladeen and wants all the power and money to himself. This leads to Alladeen having to give a speech at the United Nations which leads to him being kidnapped and left on the streets in America to fend for himself.

If you have seen the trailer for this film then you know what to expect. Some of the scenes in the trailer are extended in the film to get maximum reaction from the viewer and they will make you react. The film will definitely offend people watching, however you know with Sasha Baron Cohen what to expect so you can only blame yourself for watching it. There is one scene in the film that will make you laugh, cry, close your eyes and most probably feel physically sick all at the same time.

I’m not saying this is the best film that Baron-Cohen has done because there are moments which are a bit boring but I suppose you need that to counteract the politically incorrect dialogue of the film that will have you laughing most likely through gritted teeth.

Recommendation

If you are easily offended then I would say don’t see this film. But if you are a fan of Baron-Cohen’s other made up characters then yes this film is for you. You will laugh out loud with all the other cinema goers and enjoy yourself even though inside you are probably thinking I’m a bad person for finding this funny!

 

Film Fact

The opening picture to the film is of a famous dictator who passed away last year with the text “In loving memory of Kim Jong Il”