The Dictator
Paramount Pictures | Release Date: May 16, 2012
6.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 529 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
296
Mixed:
154
Negative:
79
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User Reviews

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4
MrTexasJul 4, 2012
His first two movies were hilarious because no one knew who he was. Now that his face is out there, he cannot be that guy anymore. Making a real movie with all actors was a bad idea. There are for sure some funny parts to this but as a wholeHis first two movies were hilarious because no one knew who he was. Now that his face is out there, he cannot be that guy anymore. Making a real movie with all actors was a bad idea. There are for sure some funny parts to this but as a whole it just was not that good.… Expand
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3
SpangleMar 1, 2014
Consistently offensive (to varying effectiveness), The Dictator is funny in spots, but is also filled with jokes that are too stupid to be funny. Now of course this was not trying to be a fantastic film or anything, but I do wish that theConsistently offensive (to varying effectiveness), The Dictator is funny in spots, but is also filled with jokes that are too stupid to be funny. Now of course this was not trying to be a fantastic film or anything, but I do wish that the jokes were way more consistent. In addition, in terms of story, the romantic aspect added to this one did not actually add anything to the movie at all and in fact subtracted from the movie. More dictatorship, less random, forced, and unnecessary romance. At the end of the day, this one is not a trainwreck like I feared it might be and could be a good movie to watch if you want a few good laughs and a hilarious speech on dictatorships, but sadly other than that, there is not much to see. As I said before, this one could have been a lot better if it had been a lot more consistent.… Expand
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5
iVaughtTVJul 17, 2012
I was very disappointed that Cohen didn't do another mockumentary, but I was even more disappointed that his first time away from that style didn't yield satisfying results. Most of the funny parts are in the trailer, the characters are sillyI was very disappointed that Cohen didn't do another mockumentary, but I was even more disappointed that his first time away from that style didn't yield satisfying results. Most of the funny parts are in the trailer, the characters are silly and uninteresting, and even though the film is very short, it still tends to drag on. In the end, it settles for too little.… Expand
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7
GoodfellaSep 12, 2012
Funny Movie. Not as funny as the first half of Borat, but that movie lost its way badly in the second half. This is more consistent throughout, (although still funnier at the beginning). Its also a surprise to see a regular mainstream kindaFunny Movie. Not as funny as the first half of Borat, but that movie lost its way badly in the second half. This is more consistent throughout, (although still funnier at the beginning). Its also a surprise to see a regular mainstream kinda movie from cohen, rather than the episodic feel of his other films. Its most similar in structure to Ali G in da house. Cohen cleverly makes fun of every stereotype known to man, from the cliche'd way we in the west view dictators in the east, to vice versa, with sexism, racism, and just about every other 'ism' thrown in along the way. Probably not one to watch at a family gathering, but then not overly offensive either, its easily the funniest mainstream hollywood film for a long time.… Expand
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9
GarianAug 19, 2012
Even while very grim, bizarre and out of this world, The Dictator had me laughing throughout. To enjoy the film you had to be someone who can relax and not take everything so seriously, which some critics and reviewers simply cannot do. NotEven while very grim, bizarre and out of this world, The Dictator had me laughing throughout. To enjoy the film you had to be someone who can relax and not take everything so seriously, which some critics and reviewers simply cannot do. Not the best comedy film I have ever seen, but i'd say its definitely in my top 5.… Expand
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5
AVTRlover4Aug 26, 2012
This was not a great movie. I didn't think the humor was all that funny. I laughed at like 3 jokes. I found Cohen's humor offensive. He usually is except in Madagascar.
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7
danbolivarAug 20, 2012
I enjoyed it. Sure it's not a movie you remember, talk about for weeks, buy, rent, or keep when someone re-gifts it to you for Christmas, but it wasn't THAT deplorable as many seem to think.
Personally I have nothing against bearded, middleI enjoyed it. Sure it's not a movie you remember, talk about for weeks, buy, rent, or keep when someone re-gifts it to you for Christmas, but it wasn't THAT deplorable as many seem to think.
Personally I have nothing against bearded, middle eastern, murderous, penile-challenged dictators___so I may not be as biased as everyone who still remembers Osama Bin Laden and has fallen prey to the programming which thwarts their notions of the word «funny» when it comes to certain subjects or stereotypes.

Come on people... the jokes were OK.. get over Osama wait for it to be on Stars and watch it again.… Expand
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5
SeriosityNov 4, 2012
When it is funny, it is really funny. Unfortunately, it tries to be a movie and have an actual plot and you buy none of it. It completely falls apart.
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4
FSJ_973Nov 21, 2012
It has some funny moments and innovations and Sacha Baron Cohen is a really good actor here, but The Dictator is still a stupid film; a blockbuster just made to win money.
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4
worleyjamersDec 5, 2012
Did I like it? Yes. Is it a great film? Hell no. It has some humorous moments, but overall the film isn't that funny. The best jokes are all in the trailer. Very short. Incredibly inconsistent.
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9
MrKiwiKGJan 31, 2013
I have just watched this film and I thought it was very funny, with all the racist and sexist comments although may want to consider watching this if sensitive to sexist or racist comments. One of the best films I have watched in 2012/13
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7
ThegodfathersonFeb 17, 2013
Funny, Restless, Offensive and full of Banned Jokes about US The Dictator is killer funny. This is definitely not a documentary but its a good comedy. Sacha Baron Cohen nailed it as the role of Aladeen! But the parents won't be happy becauseFunny, Restless, Offensive and full of Banned Jokes about US The Dictator is killer funny. This is definitely not a documentary but its a good comedy. Sacha Baron Cohen nailed it as the role of Aladeen! But the parents won't be happy because this film is TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE. Larry Charles has made Bruno which was also inappropriate but for adults it's okay. And even though its 14A it's very inappropriate. Well 7/10 for me!… Expand
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7
TrilobiteGDec 22, 2015
It's a silly racist fairytale of a movie by Sacha and co, but amidst the disastrously rushed first act, there are moments of touching sweetness along with brilliant political commentary with mysteriously warming laughs alongside AladeensIt's a silly racist fairytale of a movie by Sacha and co, but amidst the disastrously rushed first act, there are moments of touching sweetness along with brilliant political commentary with mysteriously warming laughs alongside Aladeens quest for resurgence.… Expand
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7
MBond1810Apr 11, 2013
It's not profound, but for the first time in Baron Cohen movies, it has a plot. It's also the funniest movie of the year, and that was its target. If you want to laugh, go and see it!
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9
kingdomofominsJun 30, 2013
such a comedy movie better some other comedies today lots of funny and memorable scenes if you have netflix or a dvd player watch it with your friends because its not a family movie but its still good
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8
MovieGuysSep 19, 2013
Haters can hate on Sacha Baren Cohen and this movie all they want, but they have to admit that at times, it is very funny.

Although sometimes being stupid, that doesn't take away from the humor. Cohn is the master of creating comicalHaters can hate on Sacha Baren Cohen and this movie all they want, but they have to admit that at times, it is very funny.

Although sometimes being stupid, that doesn't take away from the humor. Cohn is the master of creating comical situations, and The Dictator is just that: an 83 minute compilation of comical scenes and sight gags. But, for what it is, that's all that's needed to make this movie funny.… Expand
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5
lukechristianscMar 15, 2014
dictator was okay . Sacha Baron Cohen was great this film then his other films like bruno and borat . Sacha did his finest work but everyone has high expectations for Cohen's offensive humor . some of his humor i did not get in this butdictator was okay . Sacha Baron Cohen was great this film then his other films like bruno and borat . Sacha did his finest work but everyone has high expectations for Cohen's offensive humor . some of his humor i did not get in this but this movie was bettter then borat .… Expand
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7
CherryxldDec 14, 2014
The Dictator es una película de comedia negra que nos ofrece una historia de un lado más retórico (por así decirlo) y que nos da una buena dosis de diversión.

Esta película resulta entretenida y totalmente disfrutable, ya que logra formarThe Dictator es una película de comedia negra que nos ofrece una historia de un lado más retórico (por así decirlo) y que nos da una buena dosis de diversión.

Esta película resulta entretenida y totalmente disfrutable, ya que logra formar unos buenos momentos de risa con algunas irregularidades que se pueden considerar atractivas e ingeniosas, además, contiene un guión con una buena carisma que le da a este largometraje un toque más animado (no en el sentido de películas de animación) y fluyente. Este film, en general, exagera algunos momento de la trama, y que, para suerte de esta película, esas exageraciones resultan eficaces y logran mantenerse en una buena atmósfera sin desembarcarse en un ángulo desfavorable., y, por tanto, le dan a este metraje más humor y lo hacen más variado.… Expand
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10
alexsantini1988Mar 16, 2014
Is one of best comedy of all time! What is wrong with you people?! Have you problems with your brains?????????????????????????????????????????????????
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4
ydnar4Nov 22, 2014
The Dictator is simply just wastes 83 minutes of your life. This film is nothing more than a money grab after the success of Borat and Bruno. Don't bother.
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4
mririshfoxDec 10, 2014
Hey look everyone, it's Sacha Baron Cohen offensively portraying a minority that most people do not understand and over blowing the stereotype to make those ignorant people laugh.

let's face it, while Sacha might have been bring up someHey look everyone, it's Sacha Baron Cohen offensively portraying a minority that most people do not understand and over blowing the stereotype to make those ignorant people laugh.

let's face it, while Sacha might have been bring up some intelligent dialogue about cultural indifference, most of that dialogue was spent in Borat, leaving this movie only partially funny.… Expand
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10
ShnizelInBagDec 2, 2017
Probably the funniest movie I have ever seen
The movie tries to offend everyone at once and it makes the movie even funnier, but the movie got a lot of negative reviews because of that
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3
amheretojudgeSep 3, 2019
It sets the timer off with its own jokes, it is a self created doom, at least there won't be any regrets.

The Dictator I would like to give the credit to the director, Larry Charles and he should get it, for he is managing this entireIt sets the timer off with its own jokes, it is a self created doom, at least there won't be any regrets.

The Dictator

I would like to give the credit to the director, Larry Charles and he should get it, for he is managing this entire project. But I feel like this is his (Sacha Baron Cohen) doing all the way. From start to finish, from low to high points, from head turning away moments to screen shutting moments, he loves zapping you with bizarrely wrong information. That is his kick. That is his humor. Sacha is famous for going against the opinions of.. well, the entire world. He has to be completely wrong. And for that he must know what is actually right. Now, this is where his subtlety and smartness actually pays off.

For his humor isn't just crass or offensive or edgy. It understands the day to day issue that each comic writer goes through while dealing with the obligatory aspect of the storytelling. The obligatory section is where you have to mold the structure of the film in a certain way in order to reach the goal. Now, understanding that very equilibrium gives him leverage over the command that he orders to now distract you.

He is aware of the fact that you are eventually watching a film, a comic one, in particular. And he manages to mock even those elements that not only is just smokes and ashes but is thought provoking and witty. I still don't know what sign was he looking towards when he made up a fake name in front of the police. Another repeating gag is Anna Faris and the way she is dressed in the film. All those references that he uses to describe her will remain the highlight of the film for me. The Dictator is a good anecdote that would work better in a talk show or as a stand up gig than it doea in or as a film.… Expand
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7
NronQsrJan 5, 2019
I liked the movie, Sasha's humor always has the same peculiarity, I remembered the old movies like Borat, which I think is better. Sasha continues with the humorous way of transmitting political messages. It's what I like most about him.
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2
AltMetalNov 6, 2022
All I could think of while watching this is, "Is that supposed to be funny?". Because I get the sense that those moments are meant to elevate the quite frankly painful story. Yet another "Mature" rated Hollywood movie I couldn't finish.
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2
clem666Jul 23, 2021
Oh lord it was so painful to watch. I exactly knew after five minutes what to expect from the rest of the movie in terms of plot, acting skills and quality of humour.

If some (very) few satiric lines do work well in the middle of this mess,Oh lord it was so painful to watch. I exactly knew after five minutes what to expect from the rest of the movie in terms of plot, acting skills and quality of humour.

If some (very) few satiric lines do work well in the middle of this mess, what remains of 'The Dictator' are gross, vulgar, predictable, racist and facist so-called jokes. The great majority of them couldn't even manage to make me smile. It's a total shame because this could have been way better with lighter jokes, less useless nude scenes and with more valuable characters. In the end of the day it feels like this movie is making fun of everyone without ever proposing something new nor interesting. This is the kind of movies that can make you laugh if you are a casual teenager watching it with beers and friends, but as soon as you develop your critical mind you can't enjoy it anymore.

The only things that made me not give it a straight zero out of ten are the artistic direction (including lighting, decor, colours, sequences of plans), some acting skills (especially from Zoey (Anna Faris) and the doctor (Aasif Mandvi) but surely not from the main lousy Aladeen (Sacha Baron Cohen)), and eventually the soundtrack. So a big congratulations to the many producers, who apparently did their best to prevent this huge cargo filled with excrement from sinking and arriving in a beautiful package before our revolted eyes. All the rest leaves a disgusting taste of preheated dirt and garbage served as the main cold dish.… Expand
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9
KaliliApr 25, 2021
1 hour and 20 minutes of nonestop laughter. Just Amazing. Not exactly a memorable movie, no great plot or characters, but I just couldn't breathe for half of the movie. A solid 9/10
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6
FilmanwaltDec 17, 2020
I felt like it again and then the film can also be really fun. Gives some good funny moments that still make people laugh.

Light fare for in between. The film is just Aladeen.
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10
40mangunshotJan 15, 2020
Sacha Baron Cohen's best movie ever! The best satirical comedy around. Go watch it, it's frickin amazing!
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4
RobwinzMay 22, 2020
The Dictator has a muddily plot but the jokes throughout this movie can be hit and miss. There's some good laughs half way throughout and some of them don't really work in my opinion.
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7
Toasty87Jul 12, 2020
Stupid story with a stupid script but it does get better half way give it a chance.
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9
cylunFeb 4, 2021
It's a mix of Cohan's satirical humor with a typical romantic comedy. You can't stop laughing.
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6
mikesgold2KJul 6, 2021
Satyryczne ukazanie dyktatury udane jednak cała historia w NY jest nudna i sztampowa. Żarty czasem udane jednak równie często bardzo żenujące
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10
MEJAFYFeb 21, 2022
I Love this Movie!!!
MY FAVORITE MOVIE!!!
VVVEEEERRRRYY GOOOOOOOODDDDDDDD!!!!
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