Movie Review: The Dictator (2012)

Sacha Baron Cohen in 'The Dictator'

The movie begins with an introduction to Admiral General Aladeen (Sacha Baron Cohen) who rules the fictional country, Wadiya with an iron fist. Aladeen is a certifiable megalomaniac, who hosts his own version of the Olympic Games, Golden Globe awards and demands complete submission from his countrymen.

His plans to develop nuclear weapons soon incur the ire of the UN and Wadiya is threatened with military intervention. Aladeen decides to pay a visit to the UN headquarters.

Unbeknownst to him, his close ally Tamir (Ben Kingsley) has been plotting for quite a while to dispose of the much-hated dictator and bring democracy to his nation. The upcoming visit to the US proves to be a very tempting chance to finally achieve his goal and Tamir plan to replace Aladeen with a decoy.

The plan does not go as expected and Aladeen escapes with his life and finds himself penniless on the streets of NY and has also lost his infamous beard to boot!

As per his plans, Tamir performs the switch and plans to declare democracy at the UN summit. Aladeen is determined to regain his throne and ensure that democracy is not ushered in Wadiya.

Anna Faris with Sacha Baron Cohen in 'The Dictator'

Cohen is back with his frequent collaborator Larry Charles to deliver yet another exercise in absolute irreverence. Nothing is sacred or beyond reproach as far as this movie is concerned. Spoofing recent world events in addition to their usual targets (religious/national/cultural stereotypes), the movie also has scenes with humor of an extremely infantile nature. Private parts are on abundant display and even a romantic scene between the leads has some groan-inducing moments.

Jason Mantzoukas plays the character of Nadal, a former top scientist in Wadiya and has some excellent scenes with Cohen. The scenes where these two talented actors share the screen are easily the highlights of the movie and help the movie overcome the lazy script. The scene at a cafe in NY where Aladeen comes close to being lynched and comes up with made-up names (by reading the various instructions and signs posted inside the cafe) is a genuine piece of rib-tickling comedy without any gross/vulgar undertones.

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Anna Faris has been cast as Zoey, the requisite female lead and does her best with the role. Sir Ben Kingsley reminds us that even actors need to pay their bills.

In addition to Megan Fox, Ed Norton has a cameo as well.

Megan Fox and Cohen in 'The Dictator'

It is an out and out star vehicle for Cohen. He has a very unique brand of humor as evidenced in his previous movies, especially Borat. If this is your cup of tea, the movie is right up your alley. If that is not the case, the movie will disgust and amuse you in equal turns.

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Image Sources: Ain't It Cool News, Indiewire, Screenrant

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