Another Indication Of The Depraved State Of Modern "Comedy"

Rating: 1/10 (14 July 2009)

Each new "comedy" released from Hollywood these days seems to have one primary goal in mind; to be even more distasteful and sickening than the previous one. "Borat" has been lauded by critics and fans alike. This is clear cut evidence that it is already too late to save our civilization. I don't want to sound like an oldster disparaging anything new; pushing boundaries can be done well, as is witnessed by the hilarious television shows "Reno 911" and "South Park."
The "comedy" in this odious film is more mean spirited than the geekiest nerd could ever experience at the hands of his high school tormentors. The entire premise is borrowed from Howard Stern, who used it to much greater effect with Stuttering John, as he ambushed celebrities and asked them embarrassing questions. Of course, the gimmick was invented by "Candid Camera," which was original and kind of funny. Too bad it cleared the way for foul mouthed carbon copies like "Punked," and eventually this obscene movie.
Cohen doesn't seek to skewer the powerful and pompous. He chooses the predictable targets in our politically correct society. How often can we point out that rednecks are stupid and gullible? Why is it still funny? But then again, how many times can Hollywood have a super model punch out a huge man, without people questioning it? The excruciatingly long nude wrestling scene in this movie qualifies as one of the most offensive (and pointless) in the history of cinema. Why does nudity in films now consist primarily of unattractive males showing off their decidedly non-appealing bodies? Are the makers of these "comedies" trying to turn people off to sex?
"Borat," like the super bad films of Judd Apatow, Seth Rogen, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Mike Myers, etc., is your standard "comedic" fare for this day and age- male nudity, loads of juvenile toilet "humor," repeated jabs at Christianity and southern white males, men getting hit in the crotch, etc. I can perhaps understand why 11-12 year old boys find this disgusting stuff funny, but the sad reality is that many, many allegedly educated and supposedly mature middle-aged adults do as well.