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| Movie Review: Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan Alternate Title: Lobo: Making Other Title for Benefit
of Glorious Movie List for a Funny, Funny, Film - NOT!
Story: Sacha Baron Cohen
has made one funny film. It is a political satire and his target is
us. It is both high and low culture and filled with many slap stick
scenes. It goes way over the line on taste and visually it is often
cringe-worthy. Did I mention it was really funny, too? DirectorLarry
Charles manages to pull it off to a fault. Cohen in his altered state as Borat Sagdiyev,
is a Kazakhstani TV personality, who travels to America to explore what
our culture is all about. On his cross country trek he meets some very
scary folk out there in Americana-ville. Among other spots he hits the
canyons of NYC, western rodeos, driving instructors, an exploration
in Southern hospitality, an examination of urban youth, Southern fraternity
boys (some of the scariest in the film), hookers and the American icon
herself, Pamela Anderson. If you offend easily, stay away from this film.
There are racist remarks, homophobic tirades, anti-semitic rants, scatological
bits and misogyny to name a few. However, if you have a sense of humor
about this vast land of ours, check it out and make for yourself a very
funny movie experience. Acting: Sacha Baron Cohen does not break character
once. I could not but be reminded of Andy Kaufman at his greatest. I
was also surprised that this production team was not decked during some
of the scenes.
Predilection: None
Critters: A chicken and a bear
Opening Titles: A funny introduction into Kazakhstan.
Theater Audience: It was early on a Sunday morning
and there were not too many movie goers at that time. There was a touch
of irony in the fact that my movie buddy and I saw the film at a converted
Yiddish theater built in 1926. The theater still has some of its original
Star of David carvings throughout.
Weather: The weather proved fine for Borat's journey.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 2
Squirm Scale: 2
Drift Factor: Some of the scenes went on longer than
necessary.
Predictability Level: high
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: NOT
Big Screen or Rental: Either would do.
Length: 90 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 6 |