The Dictator

One of cinema's greatest character actors returns. But this time instead of embarrassing unsuspecting Americans he is going for a more scripted approach.
And that is this films biggest appeal. Sacha Baron Cohen has made two films where he takes a less scripted approach and uses a character to create comedic situations with non-actors. He is probably so well known now that he can no longer make films that way and so must put a bit more thought into his films and create a full script. Sacha and his team of writers have created an excellent political comedy that takes the current popularity with dictators and adds some crude humour. While there is lots of crude humour, the one thing I found surprising about the film was how tame this film felt to some of his previous efforts. There is lots of crude situations but they are not as crass as before. Sacha and his team have have instead gone for a more clever approach. Aladeen says incredibly racist, sexist and terrible things but he is such a buffoon that you can't help but laugh at his stupidity. It makes you wonder what real dictators are really like. 
I think Sacha Baron Cohen is a very clever performer. I think the way he creates his characters and gets really involved with them is brilliant. Admiral General Aladeen is another wonderful comedic creation. Anna Faris has not always chosen the right roles but this is one of her better choices. She mostly plays the straight man to Sacha's crazy antics but does an excellent job of it. Sacha has brought in his 'Hugo' co-star Ben Kingsley to great effect. Ben looks like he is having a great deal of fun. There are also some brilliant cameo appearances.
Sacha Baron Cohen cements his reputation as one of cinemas great comedic actors. While not as crude as previous films it is full of clever and witty humour.