Oftentimes we are too close to a situation to see it for what it is. We let our hubris take over and we usually end up making an ass of ourselves without realizing it. Or we do realize it at that moment but it’s too late and we decided to go full, I’m about to lose my job. Sometimes the only way to combat the foolishness is to see yourself act an ass or receive a caring slap to the face. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm is both a mirror and a slap and dammit we need it. The full title being Borat: Gift of Pornographic Monkey to Vice Premiere Mikhael Pence to Make Benefit Recently Diminished Nation of Kazakhstan, the film is outrageous, hilarious, captivating, and oh so Borat. When you’ve tried to tell someone how absurd they are to no avail, the next best option is to one-up the absurdness in order to convey reason and common sense. Covering all topical facets of our political landscape and some social ones, Baron Cohen offers an outsider view of some of the most polarizing topics of our culture. From The Rona to women’s rights, it’s all there. Adding a daughter accomplice this time around, the crude hijinks get kicked up a notch which makes for some hysterical and very awkward interactions. While for some of us he’s only confirming what we already know, contextualizing with film rather than viral videos drives his views home. With its multiple subplots and a wild climax, it’s a must-see film. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm pokes fun, frightens, and informs and is very nice! I loved the mockumentary and all that it offers. It’s rewatchability is high.
Plot & Pace
After being released from a life sentence in the gulag, Borat is requested to go back to America to restore his country’s respect. Along with his daughter that smuggled her way in, the two team up to complete the task Borat was given.
It’s a wild ride from beginning to end.
Characters & Chemistry
Sacha Baron Cohen is as Borat as ever and that’s all you need to know. Maria Bakalova as Sandra Jessica Parker Sagdiyev is a fantastic addition and did an outstanding job.
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm will be available on Prime Video on October 23rd. Enjoy and stay safe.
Director: Jason Woliner
Writers: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anthony Hines, Dan Swimer, Peter Baynham, Erica Rivinoja, Dan Mazer, Jena Friedman, Lee Kern
Rated: R
Runtime: 1h 35m
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
