Film Review: “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”

222borat-subsequent-moviefilm-BLOODMOON_SG_00636_V2_rgb.jpg — 85/100 “sweet”

Guess who’s back to save 2020 and expose the filthy underbelly of America? Borat! Remember when comedian Sasha Baron Cohen’s iconic character released his movie film 14 years ago, bringing great shame to Kazakstan? If you do, it’s time to get excited, because Cohen is returning better than ever to stop the democrats, avoid the Jews, and discover the plague that China manufactured. In all seriousness, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm is the surprise sequel to the 2006 comedy classic that will hit Amazon Prime Video exclusively tomorrow, and it may be just as good as the brilliant original movie. Cohen perfectly realizes his character once again, but the real star is Maria Bakalova as his daughter, Tutor, who has been raised in a society that restricts women from…Everything. Seeing the two explore the US&A makes for double the fun as Bakalova takes the driver’s seat in many moments. Filmed throughout the disaster that still is 2020, the film is enough to put some viewers in awe, but it has lost a bit of the shock factor since its predecessor’s release. Nevertheless, it carves its own path and picks the right year to do it.

As I explained earlier, Kazakstan has been shamed by Borat’s hit back in 2006 and has put the lovable idiot in lifetime hard labor. However, never fear, because the country’s Premiere (president) has called him to bring a pornographic genius monkey to give as a sexy gift to Mikhael Pence (Michael) to put their country in the “Strongman group”. Basically, Kazakstan’s president wants to be in the “cool kids club” for dictators, such as Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin, and yes, “McDonald Trump”. In light of the excellent news, Borat sets off to the United States once again to try and bring honor to his proud country. He must stay for the Running of the Jew first, of course. Unfortunately, a not-very-nice surprise jumps out in the form of his daughter when he reaches the US. It turns out that Tutor snuck in his massive box for traveling, and ate his sexy monkey. From there on out, after convincing the Premiere that he will “gift” his own daughter to Pence and bring great honor to his country, it’s a bonkers road-trip in 2020 America, and you know how that goes.

Speculation about the film’s actual release started when Borat was seen running in the streets of several different states, later being confirmed that it was the one and only Baron Cohen doing the deeds. About a month later, it was officially announced that Amazon Prime Video would be taking the prized possession that was destined to be a huge hit. Bolstered by a superb marketing campaign and an insane trailer, fans went through the roof, and it easily became one of this year’s most anticipated movies. Of course, that isn’t a very high bar to hit considering what Covid-19 has done to the release schedule. Brilliantly exposing the most repugnant parts of the United States, including Trump rallies, Q-Anon supporters, and just generally disgusting human beings, Cohen truly deserves an Oscar. Sadly, the Academy Awards rarely give trophies to this type of comedy, but his way of filmmaking needs all the recognition it can get. That shouldn’t be too difficult regarding how much the first Borat cashed in. Hint: it’s more than 260 million dollars (without inflation).

Although the mockumentary presentation is what makes it unique, the cast is what truly drives this thing home. I know I’ve already written that Cohen should easily win Best Actor due to the lack of competition, no one can praise this man enough for the work he’s done. In terms of pure fearlessness and grit, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Queen got out and knighted him. There are some gut-bustingly funny moments including having Bakalova pose as a reporter to interview Rudy Giuliani, Borat disguised as Donald Trump breaking into Pence’s speech at the CPAC rally, and so much more that I want readers to experience for themselves. It’s absolutely shocking to see Borat interview everyday people, and it seems quite impossible. As said several times before, Bakalova absolutely owns the role, being transformed into a 15-year-old girl who’s been raised to think that her vagina will eat her, and women can’t drive, think or even ask questions because it’s considered shameful. Sure, it’s a little over-the-top, but the social commentary couldn’t be more sidesplitting.

With all this said, it’s time to give thanks to the mastermind behind the camera, Jason Woliner, the genius man who gave us What We Do in the Shadows, a mockumentary about vampires which has given FX some much-needed Emmy glory with several nominations this year. I couldn’t explain some of the scenes that Woliner and his crew accomplished within the briskly-paced 96 minutes. He’s practically made the best case scenario for a comedy, a raunchy, crude, rude, uproarious installment in the genre that will rank in my top ten favorite films of this dreadful year. Seriously though, some conversations with random people seem absolutely perilous to complete without them noticing. Fortunately, only two lawsuits have been filed against the film, but that’s to be expected. In terms of issues, a few scenes can drag, and the pacing isn’t always flawless, and at the same time, nothing’s perfect, and that’s the way it is. Otherwise, say hello to a masterclass in making people cry with laughter coupled with an ending as mad as a hatter.

The final opinion is: Borat Subsequent Moviefilm proves another time around that Cohen’s iconic character still has the magic, and his achingly truthful, suitably hilarious exposure of misguided, gross culture in America is a refreshing detour from the original…$PLURGE IT

Rating: R (Graphic Nudity|Strong Crude & Sexual Content|Language)

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 1 hour 36 minutes

Directed By: Jason Woliner