The Dictator - movie review

Release date: 16th May 2012
Certificate: TBC
Director: Larry Charles
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, John C. Reilly, Megan Fox, Sir Ben Kingsley

What's the story?
General Aladeen, Dictator of the oil-rich African country, Wadiya, must travel to the United States to address the UN. Amid uprisings and growing unhappiness in his country with his tyrannical rule, he's forced to fight for his right as the ruler of Wadiya. Along the way he encounters vegan do-gooder, slash hippie, slash feminist Zoe (played by Anna Faris).

What did we think?
After Borat and Bruno you'd think Sacha Baron Cohen had covered every taboo subject out there. But that's not the case, as is proved perfectly by The Dictator. Sacha is on top form as General Aladeen, and watching him is a treat. He never, ever slips out of character and you almost get the feeling his partner, actress Isla Fisher, has had to live with him 'in character' for the last few months.

The easy part of a movie like this is finding the fodder to joke about. The difficult part is keeping the laughs consistent and coming up with one-liners that aren't staid and boring. The script is impressive, and if the laughter during the cinema when we watched it is anything to go by, the majority of people going to see this will enjoy it for what it is: a bag of cleverly thought out laughs.

Looking beyond the laughs though, the comedy is largely mockumentary, with America bearing the brunt of it all. You can only hope audiences see the funny side of the script. The overall 'feel good' factor of the movie is aided by fantastic cameos from the likes of Ed Norton, John C Reilly and Megan Fox. Sir Ben Kingsley is flawless as Tahir, Aladeen's right hand man and Anna Faris is the perfect mix of quirky and funny, without overshadowing Sacha.

If you're easily offended this isn't a movie you'll enjoy. But if you're after some light-hearted fun entertainment, then stock up on popcorn, because this is well worth it.

Verdict: Hits the funny spot!