The Dictator

The ruler of a North African country must travel to the USA in order to save his country from destruction

In order to stop the sanctions being heaped upon his beloved oil rich Waadeya, the egotistical and oppressive, ultimate ruler, "Aladeen", has to travel to New York City to appease the UN Security Council.  During his trip he is kidnapped by his own family, abused and replaced by an idiotic impostor who looks to destroy the years of oppression which The Supreme Leader has taken so long to establish. While finding himself on the streets, he meets up with the most unlikely set of characters, including his former head of Nuclear Weapons as he has to try his utmost to get back to the power he enjoyed all of his life; before it crumbles into democracy

Along the way he will find out how the other half lives, a thing or two about humility and will find love in a place, which he never knew existed!

Sacha Baron Cohen returns to the big screen for the first time since his impressive showing in Oscar nominated "Hugo" to continue with the roles for which he has become known. He takes on the role of "Aladeen" in probably his best film since "Ali G in Da House", more than a decade ago. We have all been used to his lines being offensive, his story lines silly and futile, but from the man who brought us "Borat" and the truly horrible "Bruno", this is a refreshing return to his best work.

I am not sure who he did not go out to offend in this film, it seems no-one is immune from his barbs. At the same time the story is laugh out loud funny, with very clever lines and some very serious points made in the midst all of the hilarity. Do not in any way think this film is for anybody but the most broad minded of people. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security that this is a nice film. You will be shocked and you will be offended,  but at the same time you may well have a very good time.

Anna Faris takes on the role of "Zoey", the pro feminist, anti fascist, protesting, arm hair growing, hippy type, that is the opposite of everything "Aladeen" stands for, but somehow manages to make him see the error of his tyrannical ways, and head towards democratic thoughts. She makes her first outing since the 2011 "What's your number" and shows that she has developed such a long way since her roles on the "Scream" series.

Oscar winner Ben Kingsley is excellent as the devious "Tamir", interested only in how much profit he can make from the sales of Waadeya's oil that he will go to any lengths to achieve this dream.   Keep an eye out for fleeting cameos from Megan Fox and a lovely little piece from Edward Norton, a real treat.

This film does exactly what it sets out to do. It offends! It's crude, rude, obnxious and just plain dirty, but its own small way, turns out to be a rather decent movie. You take the younger members of your family to watch this at your peril, but for open minded adults, this will tickle your funny bone and have you laughing into your popcorn for the full 83 minutes.

6/10