Funny, but that's about it

Rating: Null/10 (6 January 2007)

(Watched in Toronto)
There is no argument that this nominee for Golden Globe Best Picture (comedy/musical) is funny. Comedy icon Sacha Baron Cohen's (alias Ali G) crack at a Khazakstani TV reporter's expedition to learn American culture is obviously another success. But then, each person's funny bone is different. There will no doubt be some who would prefer a more subtle form of humour, such as the British version, or Woody Allen's edition.
Nor is there much in the movie beyond funny, such as insightful. At this day and age, pokes at cultural difference and intentionally offensive quips are nothing more than common place. The movie does score on it's crisp, cryptic pace in handing out the jokes Â– punch line, move on, punch line, move on. There are quite a few funny touches, such as suggestions of going back (from the cross country trip) to New York for there are at least no Jews, or throwing a bag, in frustration, on the ground followed by a muffled sound reminding the audience that there's a life chicken inside, the hero's pet (or food reserve?). On the other hand, I am not sure if Khazakstans would appreciate the way they are reflected in the movie, obvious farcical intentions notwithstanding.