Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Sacha Baron Cohen is an interesting comedian whose knack for creating satirical characters with weird accents and habits of catching unsuspecting people off-guard with pranks. The charm of those antics was at their peak from within the first couple of years of this before it was made apparently clear that he was struggling creatively on that aspect (most evident in The Dictator (2012)). If there's one thing that can be given credit to him, it's how secretive he can be when working those projects. This brings us to his latest comedy, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, which he managed to secretly film during the Covid-19 pandemic. This sequel to his 2006 movie was announced 1 month before it released on Amazon Prime in October 2020. The marketing campaign shown bits of pranks the actor pulled as the character (but it's a case where not all of that footage made it into the final cut). A concern over this was whether or not it could match the energy of its predecessor or at least be something needed for this terrible year. I finally watched the sequel the day before the president-elect of 2020 was declared and after watching it, I'm surprised with what it did well but not surprised with its flaws. 

Thoughts on Borat (2006): A reporter from a fictional version of Kazahkstan is sent to the USA to film a documentary about America culture. It had been many years since I had seen its predecessor so before I checked out its followup, I rewatched the former before it left Amazon Prime. This first film is such a bizarre time capsule of its era but surprisingly holds up well for the most part. The unscripted moments are wild to watch, the vulgar nature goes as far as it could go (the limit being the iconic naked hotel fight) and funny moments where he's learning about the customs there gets pretty crazy. There are some weaknesses in its armor with a few jokes that are weaker than others. ⭑⭑⭑⭑1/2

What's it about? Taking place 14 years after the release of the documentary, our titular lead is sent on a mission to the USA to gain favor with Mike Pence heads to help his struggling nation. There are some new angles to this new adventure that does bring a new energy: the protagonists teenage daughter. The bizarre father-daughter relationship that develops brings some different and refreshing this comedy where their interactions are both funny and kinda sweet to watch. It's also thanks to her there's a sequence that manages to outgross and match the craziness of the aforementioned hotel fight from the predecessor (if you have seen both of these features, you know what is being referenced). It's also worth noting that this sequel does aim for some lighthearted moments but doesn't shy away from showing the desolate nature of America during the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, it gets rather uncomfortable in that section when he interacts with those of despicable dangerous views.

However, this followup has issues more noticeable this time around holding it back from match that 2006 hit. The novelty of both the main character and his antics is absent here due to the fact many are used to Sacha Baron Cohen pulling these pranks over the years (not to mention it's been over a decade since Borat hit the big screen). The gags within the beginning all feel kinda flat and underwhelming as it takes some time before it finds its groove after the daughter joins the mission. When Borat is by himself, the jokes are more hit or miss (for example when he briefly splits up from his teenage girl). 

 

How are the actors? In regards to story importance, the actors to focus on are Sacha Baron Cohen and Maria Bakalova. Sacha does a fairly solid silly performance as Borat but it's worth noting that he has dialed down how raunchy he is per how the story/jokes are handled here. Some of the costumes he wears contribute to some of the real stuff he pulled that was reported in the news (such as going to certain Republican related rallies). Maria gives a surprisingly energetic boost this comedy needed with how she holds her own well with amazing delivery. The way she reacts to new things to learn about brings some very funny scenes (including one gross one). The interactions between both of them provide some silly scenes as well as a few sweet moments too. 

 

Overall Consensus: Borat Subsequent Moviefilm doesn't match its predecessors quality due to novelty loss and hit or miss humor scenes but shines well enough thanks to its lead actors, a bizarre father-daughter bond, and 2020 American culture commentary. ⭑⭑⭑3/4 Runtime: 1 hour 37 minutes R

 

Reasons to watch it: You are a fan of the aforementioned actors. You have heard about the Rudy Giuliani incident that takes place and are curious to see what happened. You watched the 2006 film and want to see how this holds up. You enjoy vulgar jokes and pranks. You want to see a time capsule reflection of Americans who don't believe in the pandemic with disturbing political viewpoints. 

 

Reasons to avoid it: You aren't a fan of the aforementioned actors. You have heard about the Rudy Giuliani incident that takes place but don't want to see what happened. You watched the 2006 film but aren't in the mood for a not as good sequel. You dislike vulgar jokes and pranks. You don't want to see a time capsule reflection of Americans who don't believe in the pandemic with disturbing political viewpoints.