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Weezer · Nov 5, 2006, 10:11 PM

So I saw the movie today...and it was ok. It had its funny moments, but I can't for the life of me figure out why it is getting such amazing reviews. It's basically jackass the movie.

[spoiler?]

The naked hotel scene was entirely unnecessary, and if that pamela thing at the end was real, he better have been arrested.

Doofy · Nov 5, 2006, 10:19 PM

The funniest thing about Borat is that Americans don't "get" him. Maybe this is why you didn't find it funny?

Weezer · Nov 5, 2006, 10:24 PM

I dunno, I usually love stuff like that. You can honestly tell me a 10 minute scene of fat nakedness is funny? What is there to get?

BRussell · Nov 5, 2006, 10:25 PM

Originally Posted by Doofy

The funniest thing about Borat is that Americans don't "get" him. Maybe this is why you didn't find it funny?

Well Americans seem to be getting him well enough to go see the movie in droves. And didn't he do this same act in England for quite a while until he made this movie?

MindFad · Nov 5, 2006, 10:25 PM

Originally Posted by Weezer

I dunno, I usually love stuff like that. You can honestly tell me a 10 minute scene of fat nakedness is funny? What is there to get?

It was maybe 3 minutes long max. It leads out of the hotel room, of course. Maybe extending it to 4 minutes?

I thought it was hilarious. That the hotel scene was so unnecessary and obscene that I had to laugh. It's also key to the story!

Gossamer · Nov 5, 2006, 10:27 PM

I really wanted to see this until I read the description on kids-in-mind.com
Sounds kind of gross, but the trailers did look hilarious.

Weezer · Nov 5, 2006, 10:28 PM

I also didn't like that each of the funnier scenes would have worked as a stand-alone short. The unifying theme of getting to pamela wasn't very compelling. Don't get me wrong, I definitely laughed my ass off several times. But to be getting the almost universal praise from the press just confuses me.

Doofy · Nov 5, 2006, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by BRussell

Well Americans seem to be getting him well enough to go see the movie in droves.

There's a very subtle subtext which is basically Brits taking the piss out of Americans. It's a friendly sort of piss-taking but it's there all the same.

Originally Posted by BRussell

And didn't he do this same act in England for quite a while until he made this movie?

As far as I can remember, Borat has always been about America.

- - e r i k - - · Nov 5, 2006, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by Gossamer

I really wanted to see this until I read the description on kids-in-mind.com
Sounds kind of gross, but the trailers did look hilarious.

I dunno, seems like a they rated it quite highly.

Edit: WTF can't the forums parse images with &'s in them?

rickey939 · Nov 5, 2006, 10:45 PM

I'll Netflix it.

- - e r i k - - · Nov 5, 2006, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by Doofy

As far as I can remember, Borat has always been about America.

Goldfish memory, Borat was taking the piss out of the Brits back in 2000.

Atheist · Nov 5, 2006, 10:50 PM

I have no plans to see the movie. I've never appreciated his humor.

I guess your right Doofy...all 300 million of us Americans are exactly the same in our taste in humor.

Doofy · Nov 5, 2006, 10:53 PM

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

Goldfish memory, Borat was taking the piss out of the Brits back in 2000.

Not on my TV. Maybe the target varies for each market?

Doofy · Nov 5, 2006, 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by Atheist

I guess your right Doofy...all 300 million of us Americans are exactly the same in our taste in humor.

Way to twist what I said. Congratulations you!

turtle777 · Nov 5, 2006, 11:04 PM

Borat: We support your war of terror

[people applaud]

I laughed very hard, the whole movie long. Good stuff.
And I guess many Americans do NOT get it.

-t

Atheist · Nov 5, 2006, 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by Doofy

Way to twist what I said. Congratulations you!

Thank you

Atheist · Nov 5, 2006, 11:11 PM

Originally Posted by what_the_heck

I laughed very hard, the whole movie long. Good stuff.
And I guess many Americans do NOT get it.

-t

Might I impose on you to explain what it is I'm not getting?

- - e r i k - - · Nov 5, 2006, 11:11 PM

Originally Posted by Doofy

Not on my TV. Maybe the target varies for each market?

The Unofficial Borat Homepage | Borat's Guide to Britain

Weezer · Nov 5, 2006, 11:15 PM

I think its laughable that people use the argument "you just don't get it." I get it, I promise you I do, and a lot of it is laugh out loud funny. This is not some deep movie. All I'm saying is, for all the hype and praise, I think its overrated.

Doofy · Nov 5, 2006, 11:19 PM

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

The Unofficial Borat Homepage | Borat's Guide to Britain

I can't remember any of those.

turtle777 · Nov 5, 2006, 11:21 PM

Originally Posted by Atheist

Might I impose on you to explain what it is I'm not getting?

I don't know about YOU as an individual.

Methinks that many Americans don't get how Borat is basically holding a mirror in front of them.
They see themselves in it (but don't recognize themselves) and react like it was some freak thing from out of space (US&A).

-t

SSharon · Nov 5, 2006, 11:25 PM

I like how he speaks hebrew in every other scene.
Also, w_t_h you got it right 100%. Half of what I find funny in the movie is thinking about people laughing at it that don't realize they are being laughed at, and not with.

Steve Bosell · Nov 5, 2006, 11:27 PM

I avoid any movie that the media hypes so much, it is just impossible to escape the "buzz" of this movie.

Gossamer · Nov 5, 2006, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

I dunno, seems like a they rated it quite highly.

Edit: WTF can't the forums parse images with &'s in them?

Generally I check out that site to laugh at how crazy their review are (check out [url=http://www.kids-in-mind.com/a/aliensofthedeep.htm]this one on an IMAX movie[/img]). But I think some of that stuff just sounds ridiculous.

mitchell_pgh · Nov 6, 2006, 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by Doofy

There's a very subtle subtext which is basically Brits taking the piss out of Americans. It's a friendly sort of piss-taking but it's there all the same.

As far as I can remember, Borat has always been about America.

He started on the BBC... and moved to HBO in the states.

- - e r i k - - · Nov 6, 2006, 12:31 AM

Originally Posted by mitchell_pgh

He started on the BBC... and moved to HBO in the states.

*'bzzzt'*

Channel 4.

mitchell_pgh · Nov 6, 2006, 12:37 AM

From Wiki (not the most reliable source)

Overview:

Borat evolved from previous characters that Sacha Baron Cohen had developed: An unnamed Moldovan TV reporter (for LWT/Granada TV and the BBC's Comedy Nation) and an Albanian TV reporter called Kristo (for the Paramount Comedy Channel).

Borat appeared irregularly on Da Ali G Show, for Channel 4 and HBO, with sketches featuring him often relying on outrageous behaviour and actions, and the reactions of uninformed individuals around him. In early appearances his name was given as Borat Karabzhanov as well as Borat Dutbayev but from 2003 his name was changed to Sagdiyev.

Chuckit · Nov 6, 2006, 12:38 AM

I just got back from this. I laughed all the way through. There were a couple of parts that I thought were a bit dumb, but overall I thought it was cleverly done for a lot of toilet humor.

TheoCryst · Nov 6, 2006, 12:44 AM

Even though a lot of the humor was fairly low-brow, I thought that the funniest parts of the movie were those that showed the true nature of Americans (and just for the record yes, I do live in the US&A). For instance, the scene on the subway in NYC was f***ing hilarious. And I'm inclined to say that the Pamela scene was authentic... I highly doubt that she's a competent enough actress to pull that off believably.

Nevertheless, I'm still having nightmares about the hotel room scene... *sobs self to sleep*

TheWOAT · Nov 6, 2006, 12:45 AM

I think its overrated because most of the movie was staged using planted props and participants 'in' on the joke. Just look at the bear and the children scene, and also the P. Anderson (if she wasnt in on the joke, there would have been some pressed charges, and her reaction sucked like the rest of her acting, she was more compelling in her sex video(s) and showed a more natural response to adversity in 'Barb Wire'). The changes in camera angles in multiple scense tell me this whole thing was staged and the reactions were scripted. I was expecting something else... hence.com, I was dissapointed.

Note: I do realize this is JUST a movie and that Santa Claus doesnt exist, and it was a funny movie, but its not as great as reviewed by respected American movie critics. The same critics who gave "Anchorman" mixed reviews. I give this a 3.5/5 overall... worth the price of admission.

TheWOAT · Nov 6, 2006, 12:47 AM

Originally Posted by TheoCryst

Even though a lot of the humor was fairly low-brow, I thought that the funniest parts of the movie were those that showed the true nature of Americans (and just for the record yes, I do live in the US&A). For instance, the scene on the subway in NYC was f***ing hilarious. And I'm inclined to say that the Pamela scene was authentic... I highly doubt that she's a competent enough actress to pull that off believably.

Nevertheless, I'm still having nightmares about the hotel room scene... *sobs self to sleep*

The true nature of Americans is to partake in scripted comedic cinema?

Kerrigan · Nov 6, 2006, 12:53 AM

Frankly, Ali G was the best character that Cohen made up. The movie was awful but still, he was great in the TV show. The character was so complex: a Jewish guy playing an English Pakistani rudeboy who thinks he's black.

When they brought Ali G over to the US, it became even funnier, because his American guests were so clearly disturbed by this Jewish/English/Pakistani/Yob/Jafaikan who was ostensibly the host of an informative youth TV show.

I just never found Borat funny, it always seemed like I could see the joke coming, or that it was too obvious.

...He's still a lot better than most other British comic figures (ie, "But I'm a Lady!").

Peter · Nov 6, 2006, 01:41 AM

Borat is hilarious on chatshows.
No thanks to the movie, and a definite vote to americans not getting "it".
When borat was on Conans chat show it was cringeworthy

itai195 · Nov 6, 2006, 01:43 AM

Yeah well, I'm not sure he can improvise very well in character yet. Seeing him do the same schtick on every talk show he's been on should indicate that the movie is probably more scripted than it seems.

Haven't seen the movie yet but I'd like to try to catch it this week. Otherwise, Netflix.

TheWOAT · Nov 6, 2006, 01:53 AM

Originally Posted by itai195

Yeah well, I'm not sure he can improvise very well in character yet. Seeing him do the same schtick on every talk show he's been on should indicate that the movie is probably more scripted than it seems.

Haven't seen the movie yet but I'd like to try to catch it this week. Otherwise, Netflix.

His lack of improvisational skills prove without a doubt that you just dont get it, along with other Americans.

ANyways, via youtube, I have seen his talk show appearances, and his schtick got old , very fast.

Mastrap · Nov 6, 2006, 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by Doofy

I can't remember any of those.

You've never watched the Ali G show? That's where Borat first appeared.

The only reason Borat, and Ali G for that matter, moved on to the US was that they became recognized in the UK and people weren't falling for the disguise anymore. But Borat did exactly the same expose hypocrisy schtick in the UK that he's now doing in the US. There's no 'Brits making fun of Yanks' storyline inherent in the Borat character.

I liked Borat in small doses but I am not sure if I am going to see the movie. It sounds like something I'd enjoy for ten minutes and then get sick of. I might very well wait for the DVD, so I can hit pause when it gets too much.

christ · Nov 6, 2006, 06:50 AM

I'm not fond of any of Baron-Cohen's characters - I am, however, amazed at his chutzpah, and surprised that he hasn't been maimed or jailed for some of his stuff.

I think that the reviews for Borat are universally good because the reviewers are afraid that they will be seen to be 'not getting it' if they give it bad reviews.

Hawkeye_a · Nov 6, 2006, 06:59 AM

It'll be coming out here in Oz next week, and we're definately going to see it.

Having said that...im not expecting it to be as funny as the shorts/skits fro mthe Ali G show or whatever.

I mean i loved the Mr.Bean TV Series...and the movie was totally crap...hoolywood-if-ication tends to spoil these sort of things imo.

Cheers

OreoCookie · Nov 6, 2006, 07:29 AM

I watched the move the day it premiered, I literally got the last ticket and I laughed so hard, I nearly choked on my beer! Sure, the humor is always below any level of decency, but if you are in the mood for such a movie, it's just great fun.

For all those who are complaining about the humor: if you watch Tomb Raider, you don't go for the storyline?

Atheist · Nov 6, 2006, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by OreoCookie

For all those who are complaining about the humor: if you watch Tomb Raider, you don't go for the storyline?

That's what I'm trying to figure out. To me it just seems like a bunch of toilet humor or the placement of people is awkward/uncomfortable situations and seeing how they react. I personally don't enjoy laughing at other people's expense. Maybe I should feel good that I don't "get it".

- - e r i k - - · Nov 6, 2006, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by Atheist

I personally don't enjoy laughing at other people's expense. Maybe I should feel good that I don't "get it".

If that works for you, then sure.

I am going to withhold my judgement until I actually see the movie. I was skeptic at first with Da Ali G show making a horrible movie transition, but the trailers and reviews have skewed my opinions to the positive. It remains to be seen if Borat can be stretched to a longer format, but I have hopes. I actually agree with the producer and Cohen that he might have better longevity than the Ali G character.

Kevin · Nov 6, 2006, 07:53 AM

There is no "true nature of Americans" it's all very diverse. We are just a reflection of the rest of the world.

Like it or not. Admit it or not.

Weezer · Nov 6, 2006, 08:00 AM

I definitely agree with the fact that a lot of it seemed staged. Theres no way in hell they unleashed a bear in an icecream truck on a bunch of kids without parental consent. I also highly doubt he just went up to a gang of 8 black guys playing dice games, nor that he got picked up on the road by a bunch of drunk college kids. Lame

OreoCookie · Nov 6, 2006, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by Atheist

That's what I'm trying to figure out. To me it just seems like a bunch of toilet humor or the placement of people is awkward/uncomfortable situations and seeing how they react. I personally don't enjoy laughing at other people's expense. Maybe I should feel good that I don't "get it".

Well, if that's not your type of humor, that's fine with me. I also `don't get' certain types of jokes. But since most people know what kind of humor to expect, people shouldn't bitch that it didn't meet their `expectations' when you know full well what to expect.

Atheist · Nov 6, 2006, 08:15 AM

Originally Posted by OreoCookie

Well, if that's not your type of humor, that's fine with me. I also `don't get' certain types of jokes. But since most people know what kind of humor to expect, people shouldn't bitch that it didn't meet their `expectations' when you know full well what to expect.

Maybe I'm arguing semantics. The reason I chimed in on this thread was the claim that certain people don't "get it". To me that implies don't "understand it". And maybe I don't understand it... because to me the humor seems blatently obvious... there really isn't anything to "understand". Who knows, maybe his style of humor is actually a brilliant way of making society step back and look at itself in a whole new way.... or it's just fart jokes... I really can't tell.

Weezer · Nov 6, 2006, 08:17 AM

http://comingsoon.net/news/reviewsnews.php?id=17205

The point is that the movie's funniest laughs come from people and their reactions, not the material written by Cohen and his crew.

Cohen sometimes goes too far to get those laughs, like when he starts breaking things in a Mom 'n' Pop shop "by accident." Tom Green has been doing this same schtick for years and been attacked by critics for it. The only difference is that Borat uses a funny foreign accent, which apparently makes it "more intelligent."

Cohen's diehard fans will probably shrug this review off as someone who "just doesn't get it", but you know what? There's not much to get. If you're a fan of Sacha Baron Cohen's inane schtick, you'll probably already be well prepared for his onslaught of poor taste, but anyone who understands tolerance won't fall for Borat's low-blow attempts at comedy. Sure, it's easy to laugh at the people caught in the act, but it's sad that anyone can claim brilliance to this unoriginal one-joke character that merely plays up to our lowest base instincts.

turtle777 · Nov 6, 2006, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by Weezer

I definitely agree with the fact that a lot of it seemed staged. Theres no way in hell they unleashed a bear in an icecream truck on a bunch of kids without parental consent. I also highly doubt he just went up to a gang of 8 black guys playing dice games, nor that he got picked up on the road by a bunch of drunk college kids. Lame

Well, duh, it's a movie, not a documentary ?

Have you been fooled by the media hype ? Shame on YOU. You are what Boart is making fun of !

-t

Weezer · Nov 6, 2006, 08:41 AM

So it shines a spotlight on how american's "really are" by setting up fake scenes and scenarios? riiiiiiight....

IceEnclosure · Nov 6, 2006, 08:49 AM

This thread has become about British people raggin' on Americans for not getting Borat?

I get him. I'm American. He did his thing for years not only HERE in the U.S. (Ali G. Show) but in U.K. or whatever for years.

You people are retarded.

And listen... if a bunch of freakin' hillbillies are sitting at a RODEO and some Kazikstanian dude is on the microphone talking about the war and how he supports it, it doesn't matter what the eff he says. they're going to applaud him. they're not listening. they're dumb.

I'm smart.

peace.

turtle777 · Nov 6, 2006, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Weezer

So it shines a spotlight on how american's "really are" by setting up fake scenes and scenarios? riiiiiiight....

WTF are you thinking ? It's a movie, for crying out loud. WTF did you expect ?

A REAL DOCUMENTARY ? Dude

-t