Baywatch and Bitterness

Rating: 2/10 (7 November 2006)

Greetings again from the darkness. I realize I am in the vast minority here, but I found little to laugh about in this vile, mean spirited glamorized SNL skit. Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat character is on the surface a wonderful vision, but rather than tap new comedic ground and push the political humor boundaries, it instead slams us with mean-spirited pranks and jackass style segments.
Of course, I understand why Gen X and Gen Y will think it cool to jump on the bandwagon, but I see no genius or brilliance as displayed by Mel Brooks, Kevin Smith or even Jon Stewart. This one trick pony runs out of gas once he finishes his tour of his hometown.
I will not be surprised if one day Mr. Cohen does in fact break new comedic boundaries, but "Borat" will not be the project and will be soon forgotten in the world of political comedies. Just another wonderful premise gone awry, which is a shame since the great Larry Charles ("Seinfeld" "Curb Your Enthusiasm" "Entourage") is featured as the director. Always hate to see another Seinfeld alum fail.