MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Head of State’ is mildly entertaining but doesn’t deserve your vote
March and April are the time of year Hollywood releases those films it doesn’t think will do very well. There are two reasons for this. One, because fewer people go the movies than do in the summer and around the holidays. And two, because the majority of the films released in these two months are not worth the film they are printed on. “Head of State” definitely falls into this second category.
I don’t know which is more shocking – that they let Chris Rock talk them into making this movie or that they let him direct it. The film is a lot like his standup comedy routines.
There are funny moments (albeit few and far between), and the rest is whiny-faced harping on the struggles the blacks have had in this country. It has focused itself on him and his quest to become a real actor. Sorry Chris; there is no blue fairy to wave her wand and give you acting experience. And playing at director won’t help, either.
“Head of State” follows the party’s (we never know which one) search for a presidential candidate after the current candidate is killed in a plane crash while talking on his cell phone (tacky reference there).
Rock’s character is chosen for the fact that he couldn’t possibly win. Instead, it will make the party seem like it is for the minorities, thus ensuring their votes in the next election.
The film thrives on weak political jokes and stabs at the other candidate (who obviously is Republican). This candidate skirts the issues, kisses the babies and spouts trite comments like “God bless America and no one else.” These “tries” at political satire become tired clichés and boring references to jokes that lost their humor a long time ago.
Now like I said before, this film had incessantly funny moments. It was a lot like Rock’s standup – some jokes were hysterical, and others were eyebrow raisers. Rock’s directorial style was jerky, amateurish and grossly negligent at times. Overall not bad for a first film, but even “Singles Ward” had better cinematography, and that’s saying a lot.
Maybe this is the type of comedy Hollywood thinks will help the American public forget about the war, the women POWs and the threats of terrorism popping up all over the globe. But instead of making viewers question the way our country is run, it shows us that we are glad Hollywood doesn’t run it.
During the Oscars, Steve Martin made the comment that actors can either be Democrats or skinny. Guess he was right.
Overall, “Head of State” is mildly entertaining in a kindergarten sort of way and could provide a form of escapist overindulgence. But take my word for it, you won’t be missing much by not casting your vote for this one.
Jared Sterzer is a senior majoring in business information systems. Comments can be sent to jwsterz@cc.usu.edu.