The real, angry Chris Rock doesn't put in an appearance until the final moments of this political satire (directed and co-written by Rock) but it's not enough to rescue what has come before. Rock's fantasy of being the first African-American to achieve the White House (although he's initially set up to fail by spin doctors Dylan Baker and a surprisingly funny Lynn Whitfield) is somewhat toothless by Rock's own standards. The problem is his altered perception of himself as a film star (as opposed to the established HBO black equivalent of Dennis Miller): he phonily positions himself from the onset as cuddly, concerned for the constituents of the ward he's an alderman for and reasonably ignorant of national issues; he's finally allowed to become self-aware only when his older brother (the always welcome Bernie Mac) intercedes. You keep waiting for Rock to change but when he does, it's first into a playa that comes up with glib quips in response to standard questions. (With barely a mention of foreign policy, they seem a bit stale). Only in the final debate against his opponent (Nick Searcy) does he let loose with some honesty and only then do the jokes carry some weight. Rock, making his directorial debut, opts for the equivalent of a made-for-TV movie with a flat look, very mild gags (there are not nearly enough white fright jokes but there is a fundraiser that turns into a dance party with elderly WASPs doing the electric slide, and opening credits that state Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, George Bush and Hillary Clinton, among others, `are not in this movie') and very little interest in being taken seriously. Warren Beatty covered this turf far more handily in `Bulworth'. With Tamala Jones as his love interest, Robin Givens (cleverly cast as a gold digger) and, unfortunately, only a couple of bits from Tracy Morgan.
Plot summary
When a presidential candidate dies unexpectedly in the middle of the campaign, the Democratic party unexpectedly picks a Washington, D.C. alderman as his replacement.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
June 28, 2020 at 04:50 PM
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Toothless
Loved this movie Head of State when I was younger, still do!
I can't believe I never knew Chris Rock wrote, directed and starred in this movie. When I watched years ago I wasn't as huge of a movie buff like I am nowadays although I was 11 when this released. Might not be appreciated much but I love it, quite enjoyable political comedy that is refreshing enlightenment!
...are not in this movie...
What a funny opening scene. The names of a bunch of politicians and public figures are tossed on the screen, and followed by a disclaimer that gives the audience an indication of what they will not see in this movie. What you do see is Chris Rock, a Washington DC alderman who has a series of really bad days, dumped by his shrewish girlfriend (Robin Givens), finding he's lost his job and even having his bike crushed. But the sudden rescue of a woman and her cat from a building that's about to be blown up has him made a local hero, and some slimy politicians decide to use him in a scheme for one of their candidates to end up as the presidential nomination for their party. Like other candidates in similar political films, he becomes a hero in the press, even getting his rather square white followers at a political rally to join him in a rap song. The gorgeous Lynn Whitfield just plays one of the political influencers who obviously will feel guilt as you begin to see his possibilities.
This very funny political spoof had me in stitches, obviously not realistic but enthusiasically garnering my attention from the start and enjoying Rock's enthusiasm as he gets into the role of presidential candidate. This certainly isn't for all tastes, so I can understand the variety of different level of reviews. This is the type of film that you have to take seriously while not taking it seriously because its views of different cultures and lifestyles gives it a fair view of all of society without anger or hatred even though there is the subtlety of anger hidden within which doesn't hamper the enjoyment of the film.