Hey folks, Harry here and this time we're back with the same guy that told you how great THE HOT CHICK was. This time he's here to tell you how much HEAD OF STATE allegedly rules. Can you imagine that? Looking at the trailer... Does that seem possible? Chris Rock when he is uncensored is hilarious. However, this is a PG-13 flick. I don't want to see Chris Rock making PG-13 "fish out of water" flicks. I have a pass to see this soon, I might go simply to get away from any media that could possibly be updated with the latest sandstorm update.
Hey Harry!
It's Oats again. I gave a good review to The Hot Chick and was called a plant, so I figure a negative review for Chris Rock's new film 'Head of State' would silence the naysayers.
But I can't do it! Head of State is the funniest film I've seen since The Hot Chick!
Okay, that's not true either. In fact there were several times during this film where I found myself thinking how bad the film is, but then I would see something else to laugh at.
The premier was held on Wednesday night in Houston and Chris Rock himself was there for some incredibly awkward Q & A afterwards, but more on that later.
This is Rock's directorial debut, and some folks should really just stick to acting. But Rock's not that great of an actor, so what are you gonna do? Rock plays a Washington DC alderman picked to run for president after the democratic candidate is killed in a plane crash. (I deducted he was a democrat, not hard when you see his opponent.) He's picked because the GOP candidate is the Vice President (and the cousin of Sharon Stone) and has such a huge lead they just want someone who will go in and lose, so they can set themselves up for a better presidential run in 2008. But, surprise, surprise, Rock starts telling it from the heart, and he starts becoming a true contender (I won't tell you if he gets elected.)
There are some very funny moments here, but Rock has a tendency to repeat them to the point that it's not funny anymore. I'm trying not to be spoilish, but the assassination thought: funny once, not twice. The call for security; funny once, but very old by the fourth time. And the VP's repeated mantra; God bless America, but no place else. Repeated twice too many times. Also, lots of scenes didn't even make sense. Like the old people dancing to Nelly bit that you see in the trailers ... where did the DJ come from? It was a political fundraiser with a four piece orchestra playing ... why in the world did they have a hip-hop album on standby? It's the same scene where we see Rock hook up with Tamala Jones who he met at a gas station, but she's also a catering assistant who just happens to be working that fundraiser ... then seven weeks later they're betrothed (oops, hope I didn't ruin that for anyone) ... where's the sense in that?
Bernie Mac, he plays Rock's older brother who is picked for a running mate. There was too little for him to do. He stole nearly every scene he was in ... and I actually enjoyed his scenes more when Rock wasn't in them.
Lynn Whitfield and Dylan Baker, Rock's assistants who guide him, deceive him and are eventually convinced about his chances ... they were great, but obviously at a loss. You could almost see them trying not to show up Rock, knowing they were just supporting actors.
Other funny bits that will only make sense after you see it; Super Whore training camp, Meat Man and ... no that's about it.
Now for that Q&A session. First of all, if you're going to have someone like Rock, you need to give him a mic that won't cause feedback whenever he speaks over six decibels. The questions from the audience were predictable: What did you learn from this experience? (I learned to read, Rock responded) What was it like working with Bernie Mac? (It was fun) Will you come and give my charity a cheap promo appearance? (Rock was cordial but dismissive with these questions.)
The funniest moment came when an 8 or 9 year old girl asked How old are you? Quote Rock, "Too old for you, but R Kelly might be interested." That got the biggest laugh of the night!
Oats
