** Stars
Bruno is not really a movie, but rather a gimmick. A gimmick that is very funny, but also desperate for laughs. Despite having the truly committed Sacha Baron Cohen in top form, I couldn't help but leave the theater feeling a little disappointed.
What ultimately fails about Bruno is its dependence on a previous movie structure. It's basically the same exact thing as the 2006 smash Borat, but instead takes everything that worked so well for that film, and then beats it into an oblivion. Borat was shocking because it wasn't trying to be. Bruno is trying so hard to be shocking that I almost felt bad not to laugh. Sure, I was laughing a lot in Bruno. However, like the movie itself, it felt forced. For every moment of genius comedy Bruno delivers, there are at least twice as many moments of pathetic indulgence.
We begin with Bruno, the most unlikable character of the year, getting fired from a fashion show. Afterwards, he decides he wants to take a shot at becoming famous. So Bruno takes off running after every single idea that could possibly make him a celebrity. From interviewing Paula Abdul by using Mexicans as chairs, to interviewing an actual terrorist and calling his leader (Osama Bin Laden) a dirty wizard and a homeless Santa, to scenes involving more dildos than most porno's, Bruno has no shame whatsoever.
Neither does Sacha Baron Cohen, who is arguably the gutsiest performer in Hollywood. I give wild praise for his bravery in displaying the numerous faults of American culture, however this time he pushes it so far that we lose respect for both the character and the film itself. Perhaps it's time for Cohen to start playing himself. After all, he is talented enough to begin with.
I will say that you should probably check out Bruno, but no more than once. It's a moment in our culture that deserves to have a discussion, although what kind of discussion that is, I'm not quite sure.
What ultimately fails about Bruno is its dependence on a previous movie structure. It's basically the same exact thing as the 2006 smash Borat, but instead takes everything that worked so well for that film, and then beats it into an oblivion. Borat was shocking because it wasn't trying to be. Bruno is trying so hard to be shocking that I almost felt bad not to laugh. Sure, I was laughing a lot in Bruno. However, like the movie itself, it felt forced. For every moment of genius comedy Bruno delivers, there are at least twice as many moments of pathetic indulgence.
We begin with Bruno, the most unlikable character of the year, getting fired from a fashion show. Afterwards, he decides he wants to take a shot at becoming famous. So Bruno takes off running after every single idea that could possibly make him a celebrity. From interviewing Paula Abdul by using Mexicans as chairs, to interviewing an actual terrorist and calling his leader (Osama Bin Laden) a dirty wizard and a homeless Santa, to scenes involving more dildos than most porno's, Bruno has no shame whatsoever.
Neither does Sacha Baron Cohen, who is arguably the gutsiest performer in Hollywood. I give wild praise for his bravery in displaying the numerous faults of American culture, however this time he pushes it so far that we lose respect for both the character and the film itself. Perhaps it's time for Cohen to start playing himself. After all, he is talented enough to begin with.
I will say that you should probably check out Bruno, but no more than once. It's a moment in our culture that deserves to have a discussion, although what kind of discussion that is, I'm not quite sure.
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