Great fun, but....

Rating: 8/10 (3 November 2006)

I thought the movie was excellent in its own right. People who were never introduced to the character of Borat on Da Ali G Show will find originality like none other. Sure, it's basically a hidden camera gag show.. but with offensive, vulgar, and repugnant interviewing.
That said... the film is hilarious. I'm quite familiar with Cohen's humor from watching most anything I can ever find on the fellow, but instead of complete laugh out loud moments, I just had a great smile and a chuckle inside. (Save for one scene that had me elbowing my buddy next to me and covering my mouth to prevent the Pepsi from dribbling out) The humor can and will be deemed offensive by people of all race, religion, or creed. All it takes is a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at one's own faults to see that Borat is not only making us slap our knees but also should force some to reach inside and maybe exorcise some sleeping demons of their own.
Also, I was interested in how Larry Charles and Sacha Baron Cohen were going to make a 7 minute segment of a TV show into a feature length film, and was very pleased with the outcome. Interjected with reality, the scripted scenes were fun and added to the 'plot' of Borat seeking California.