Movie review: The Dictator (+trailer)

Think of all the races, religions and sexual groups you could possibly offend.

Then make a list and tick them off as you ridicule them in any number of ways.

And then you have the script of The Dictator.

British actor Sacha Baron Cohen has never been faint-heart and he certainly hasn't learned the art of diplomacy in the making of this movie.

He has taken Borat and Bruno and ramped up his insults tenfold.

But don't be mistaken, The Dictator is extremely funny, if you are not prone to squirming in your seat at inappropriate material.

At least there should be no doubt what awaits you in watching Cohen's latest work - he is the ultimate politically incorrect performer.

The Dictator is General Haffaz Alladeen, supreme ruler of the tiny north African country of Wadiya.

When his nuclear weapons' programme causes concern in the West, Alladeen is summoned to address the United Nations about his intentions.

Out of the safety net of his own country, Alladeen's right-hand man, Tamir (Ben Kingsley), plots to have him killed so he can assume control of the country and sell off its oil.

Replaced by a double, Alladeen finds himself out on the streets with only his prejudices to keep him warm.

That is until he meets the delightful leftie-greenie, Zoey (Anna Faris).

Seeing Alladeen as a homeless refugee, she takes him in.

But the general knows he must get back to his hotel and take charge of his country again before Tamir takes over.

His journey offers plenty of wonderful fodder for his extreme views.

There is no doubt that The Dictator is not for everyone.

If you are of a sensitive disposition, you will be offended by racism and sexually inappropriate material.

If you are able to let that wash over you and Sacha Baron Cohen has a way of hitting your funny bone, The Dictator is good.

Maybe not as good as Borat, but certainly better than Bruno and full of laughs.

The Dictator

(R16), 85 minutes

Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars