Review: Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
or Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.
Kazakh journalist Borat (Sasha Baron Cohen) has brought shame on his home country after the events of the first film. Now he's given one last chance to deliver a prized monkey to U.S Vice President Mike Pence, however his fifteen year old daughter, Tutar (Maria Bakalova) sneaks in the crate instead, and her father gets the idea to present her as a gift instead.
Borat has always been an acquired taste for most. The first film was very popular and because of that, Borat impressions were everywhere. Now we've spent quite a bit of time apart, and the world is still a raging dumpster fire so what better time to revisit this character?
It's impossible to recreate the first film. Baron Cohen has too much notoriety now and no one should go into this film expecting that. What we do get is still a very deeply funny performance, yes with plenty of unsuspecting morons doing bad things on camera, but the real star of Borat this time around is Bakalova.
I say this with no hyperbole, but Bakalova should be in serious consideration for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. If the Academy can nominate Melissa McCarthy for her "funny" performance in Bridesmaids, they can give Bakalova a chance for this. She is so sincere and hysterical.
I wouldn't say I loved this as much as the first, but again, I wasn't expecting it to top that. I laughed plenty and Baron Cohen and Bakalova were so great it made this worth watching.
Recommended: Yes
Grade: B
Memorable Quote: "My daddy is the smartest person in the whole flat world." - Tutar (Maria Bakalova)
Nice review! I totally agree about a nomination. The movie almost felt like it centered on her more than Borat, and she was hilarious. Everything else was just okay for me. A lot of the antics felt predictable rather than surprising in the first film. The guys who took Borat in during the lockdown and the babysitter were the best 'extras' though.
ReplyDeleteI think the focus on the daughter is why the sequel works for me. It feels different. That babysitter was my favorite. I loved her.
DeleteI'm still shocked he managed to find this many people to punk as Borat the fax guy, the store lady, the two dudes who took him in...I bet he had to walk around a while and try and was busted more than few times lol
ReplyDeleteOh I know. I know the two ladies in the Synagogue knew it was for a skit, but what is everyone else's excuse? lol
DeleteI've only seen some of it as I've gotten to the debutante ball dancing scene and oh my God. That is disgusting but I laughed my ass off. Yes, Bakalova for Best Supporting Actress. Anyone who is willing to do these kind of things but also maintain a sweetness to her role deserves it. Hell, just give her the fucking Oscar.
ReplyDeleteYou haven't even gotten to my favorite parts yet, when she gets the babysitter. Those are great.
DeleteYES for Bakalova! She deserves it for sure. That quote as well, I forgot about that line!
ReplyDeleteShe's so good!
DeleteI'm not in love with the first one, so I haven't been in a rush to see this one. In that one, I really liked the way he interacts with people while out and about. It's all those other scenes that I didn't find funny. I will see this at some point, though.
ReplyDeleteBorat is definitely an acquired taste. As much as I loved the first one, I've probably only seen it all the way through 2-3 times because it can get old. But this is definitely worth it, especially for Bakalova.
DeleteI saw the first one in the cinema, I remember everyone laughing and me cringing during that hotel scene with the naked guy. Was not a fan.. so I haven't even thought about watching this one. :D
ReplyDeleteI get it. If you didn't like the first Borat, I don't see how the second would be a good experience.
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