Review of ‘Ali G IndaHouse’ Essay Example
Review of ‘Ali G IndaHouse’ Essay Example

Review of ‘Ali G IndaHouse’ Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (850 words)
  • Published: December 18, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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With media hype behind him, rapper and youth advocate Ali G from the West Staines Massive has made a debut in the movie industry.

Over the past few years in the UK, "Mr. Bean" and Kevin and Perry from "Harry Enfield and Chums" have been adapted for the big screen. Despite being terrible films, they were both very successful financially. Compared to these, Ali G offers a slightly more sophisticated style of humor. However, there was still potential for the film to be very annoying.

Ali G, Sacha Baron Cohen's wigga persona, was overexposed due to frequent appearances at award ceremonies and in videos featuring aging pop singers. The release of the heavily promoted and predictable comedy film, Ali G Indahouse, could have been the final straw. Despite this, the film is funny enough to earn more sympathy for Baron Cohen's ch

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arming, witty and unpredictable character. Alongside Baron Cohen and Rivera, Kellie Bright stars as Me Julie – Ali's girlfriend mentioned often on the TV show but never seen until now. Bright, who is best known for her role as Kate in Radio 4's 'The Archers', brings her vocal abilities to the movie. Other popular Baron Cohen characters like Borat from Kazakhstan and supermodel Naomi Campbell make brief appearances, but Madonna doesn't appear due to scheduling conflicts even though Baron Cohen was keen to include her after starring in her 'Music' video.

Filmed mainly in London during the summer of 2001, the movie also includes scenes of Ali's spiritual homeland in South Central LA, albeit in his dreams. The production budget of £5million included a week's worth of filming in the center of LA's gangland, which reportedly caused

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concern for the LAPD due to the crew's risky filming choices. However, one cast member, Emilio Rivera, who plays Rico in the film, was already experienced with the territory after appearing in South Central thriller 'Training Day' alongside Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke. Despite its unapologetically ridiculous plot, the movie still went ahead.

Ali is urged by the Deputy Prime Minister to run for MP in Staines, despite not being bisexual. He finds success but is unaware that he's being used to oust the bumbling Prime Minister by the cunning Deputy. However, the film prioritizes humorous quips and visuals, as well as providing insight into Ali's background. We're introduced to his harmless entourage and take a tour of his sanctuary, the John Nike leisure centre ("It's like Mecca to the Jews"). Additionally, we witness Ali's mother, who resembles a grandmother, waking him up while the dog nibbles on a sensitive area of his body, resulting in an unrealistic yet uproarious comedy.

We witness Ali's preference for supermodel sexual fantasies as he clumsily kisses his girlfriend, Me Julie. The overall tone is that of toilet humor, childish behavior, obvious drug allusions, and knowingly sexist remarks, reminiscent of a more humorous version of the Carry-On series. Furthermore, there is an element of satire concerning Ali's identity and his belief in his "Is it because I is black" mentality. Initially, the movie centers around the "Staines massif," which serves as a satisfying wake-up call for the white middle-class population who try too hard to "keep it real" and act as if they are "in da ghetto."

Despite the character's previous subversive demeanor, as he enters the House of Commons, it

becomes evident that he has lost it. The MPs that are introduced appear to be caricatures, portrayed in a clumsy and exaggerated manner, unlike the real public figures that Cohen adeptly humiliated in his TV series. Nevertheless, this shortfall is compensated for by an abundant amount of absurd humor. The Deputy PM confesses to being a "bell-end" while reciting a speech Ali wrote, a visit to HM Customs; Excise culminates in a large smoking session, and Ali's popularity increases as he declares that only "fit" female immigrants are allowed in the country. Additionally, the scene where Ali spikes the tea at a UN conference with herbs he stole from Customs is noteworthy.

Despite leading the delegates to vote on sending Iran to the garage to grab some crisps, the film's collapses afterwards with less dignity than one of Ali's pratfalls. As the plot becomes more ridiculous, the jokes dry up and Ali G becomes tiring. There is no dramatic tension, leading to a hopelessly flat ending. Although the first 60 minutes provided pleasure, the final 30 minutes almost diminish it entirely. However, Ali's film is set to be a huge hit with the younger generation due to its sick humour and relevant sexual references.

It remains to be seen whether the older generation will be drawn to this film, given its potentially offensive use of crude language and sexist portrayal of women. Additionally, some may find the excessive objectification of women for comedic effect and the prominent depiction of drug use uncomfortable or inappropriate. However, for those who enjoy Ali G's brand of gross-out humor, this film may be a good fit.

Seek elsewhere if unable to find.

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