A 14-year hiatus has only made Sacha Baron Cohen even bolder and more prone to hilarity. That’s right Cohen’s iconic creation Borat is back! Here is my review of Amazon’s BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM.
Is the second Borat excursion wilder and crazier than the first? Yes, of course.
The film can’t really be reviewed with to many details since it’s more of an experience you either are open to or you’re not! Story wise our wacky Kazakh TV reporter has been kept isolated in a horrible prison but our latest administration intrigues the Kazakh President. Borat has his freedom and for this film he replaces his sidekick with a more personal familial connection. That familial stow away is the film’s silver lining. I’ll simply say the film is worth getting to see the transformative elements of this young’n in Borat’s life. Transformation actually is an important element since the massive world wild exposure of the Borat character. Obviously, Mr. Cohen has had to utilize new inventive and hilarious disguises to “get” access to the real world states, cities, political rallies, and a few doctor offices.
Back for the fun is DP Luke Geissbuhler and the editing team of Craig Alpert, James Thomas and Michael Giambra. Those gents have all gone on to legit careers since the last Borat film. Director Jason Woliner has a nice resume and his comedic chops fit perfectly with Cohen’s abrasive nature. Add in a talented art department and slew of hair and makeup folks that all have incredible resumes. The teeth guru that is Gary Archer helped create Austin Power’s, Mrs. Doubtfire, UnCut Gems, I’ Tonya and Wolf of Wall Street’s famous choppers is also on board! The film may alienate for it’s over the top content but the tremendous talent that made it happen deserves some LOVE.
I don’t want to spoil anything but just be ready to jump through some massively awkward material. More blood, more political satire, more hypocrisy and of course more raunchy gold makes this Borat even more profound. The really intriguing part of the film is just how well the story of Borat and his familial companion grows throughout the film. No joking Borat is a changed man by the end and thus his emotional arch is actually worth your time and money. The talented new sidekick’s journey is also special and uplifting in our dark 2020 world.
Be bold and dive into the intelligent but raunchy mind of Sacha Baron Cohen. The Israeli has given us so much wonderful characters and Borat seems to connect with a global audience like no other.
Though I must admit I’d sure love to see Ali G make a 2020 appearance.
Please keep your 3 and under kids away!
Directed by: Jason Woliner
Written by and Character Created By: Sacha Baron Cohen and a slew of writers (check tags below)
Rated R (obviously)
Selig Rating: 4 Stars
Running Time: 1hr 35min
Comedy
Exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, October 23, 2020
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
