[Folgore]

You know, I don't so much mind the slander and stereotypes -- it's a free country(ies), after all -- as I do the fact that Cohen deliberately works to bring out the worst in people. Cohen's character prods and prods until he gets his hapless victims to reveal that *gasp* they aren't saints. Who among us is? Gee, there's racism, homophobia, etc. in America. Tell me something I don't know. And the ones who do act like saints -- I believe there's a scene in which Cohen embarasses some very nice and patient ladies -- just look like fools, because they're not in on the joke. Empathetic guy that I am, I have a low tolerance for other people's embarassment.

I think it's a good idea to be reminded that bad things (e.g., the aforementioned racism, homophobia) still exist in our nation, but I don't think that's Cohen intent -- his intent is mean-spirited humor.

That having been said, I'm not against Cohen's comedy at all. I've seen Da Ali G show and think it's pretty good -- but half an hour is all I can take at a time. He's at his best deflating pompous windbags, not people on the street.

So I'm on the fence as to whether or not I'll rent Borat on DVD. On the one hand, I can fast-forward through the cringe-inducing bits and I'm sure there's some really funny stuff in there. On the other hand, it is worth my time?

[no4mkit]

Originally Posted by Folgore

Gee, there's racism, homophobia, etc. in America.

Sorry, haven't seen it, but is that the underlying message here? Glad to know it's America/Western culture that's guiltiest of such things. Guess it's safer than picking on other cultures that are demonstratably far more so, afterall, better to have a law suit than lose your head!

[STARMAN 352ND]

I saw it the other day and it was ok.
I have seen better movies in my time...
JP

[jim]

Nicely put NO4. Subtle point.

Originally Posted by no4mkit

Sorry, haven't seen it, but is that the underlying message here? Glad to know it's America/Western culture that's guiltiest of such things. Guess it's safer than picking on other cultures that are demonstratably far more so, afterall, better to have a law suit than lose your head!

[mustangdriver]

Another film making fun of Americans-you can't be serious. They wouldn't make such a movie.

[jim]

The willingness to laugh at oneself and allow others to do so is what makes Americans great people IMHO..QUOTE=mustangdriver;17126]Another film making fun of Americans-you can't be serious. They wouldn't make such a movie.[/quote]

[mustangdriver]

True, it does get old after a while. But you are right about laughing at one's self.

[Folgore]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

Another film making fun of Americans-you can't be serious. They wouldn't make such a movie.

America's an easy target. As no4mkit put it: Make fun of Americans and you might lose a lawsuit. Make fun of some other nations and you might lose a lot more!

...And that's something to remember this Thanksgiving. (Our freedoms, I mean. Not Borat.) I'll extend that gratitude and a happy Thanksgiving (albeit belatedly) to our Canadian bretheren, too. Good cheer to all -- Happy Thanksgiving!

( Aww... it's like a Charlie Brown special.)