Sharp, clever, and very funny

Rating: 8/10 (4 November 2006)

Firstly, the preconceptions. I am not an Ali G fan and have previously found Cohens characters puerile, lame and unfunny. However, I could not help but be intrigued, and amused, by the pre- launch publicity, so I thought that i would give it a chance. Am I glad I did! The running time of 84mins is spot on, as soon as it runs out of steam it finishes. But before it does, it generates enough steam to power the Flying Scotsman ! Of course the toilet jokes are funny, they always have been and always will be. But the obvious humour is balanced by sharp observation - coloured mini i pods are for girls, and subtle laughs like when he throws down his suitcase in despair, - then we remember what is inside! The joke is not on Khazakstan - its on the United States which is mercilessly lampooned. It is difficult to decide which shots are "reality" takes and which are set up. The humour rests not only with Cohen, but with the Americans who don't realise that their genuine reactions are the butt of his wit.
Surprisingly sophisticated and subtle, whilst simultaneously being base and crude.This film made me laugh out loud more often than I can recently remember. I shall be fascinated to read the American reviews of this film - I don't think that they are going to like it!