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In 2006, America was given the first Borat film, the first social experiment film helmed by English actor & comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. The film proved to be a hit as Americans couldn't help but laugh at the Kazakhstan reporter whose mission it was to make a documentary in the "US and A" as Borat would say. The film proved to be clever and was even more funny when you realize that most of the characters in the film aren't actors but real-life people. Fast forward 14 years later and Borat 2 is finally hitting the web on Amazon Prime tomorrow but is the joke even funny anymore? I'll admit, that while I think the first Borat film is funny, I don't think it's as good as everyone else. I respect the film especially when you realize what Sacha Baron Cohen was going for, but I didn't love it like most. After watching Borat 2, I can safely say my opinion is similar. While I don't love it as most of my counter parts do, there are definitely great moments but mostly extremely dull at times. As always, I will include no spoilers from the film.
The film is basically about Borat's journey in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 elections. My favorite part of the movie is Borat, to nobody's surprise. Sacha Baron Cohen has proved yet again, he is great at improvising and creating comedy out of any situation. The film for the most part follows a similar formula of Borat interacting with real people in real situations. At times, this formula works. There is a scene early on where Borat has a hilarious interaction with a cell phone salesman who is in complete disbelief with what he is witnessing while working with Borat. Another thing about Borat 2 that I found to be hilarious was the interesting names Borat gives himself. Like the first film, the circumstances he finds himself in and then is able to improvise characters fit for the situation is one of the things I loved most. The acting is suitable for those in the film who are actors but nothing to write home about. The rest of the film is just okay.
As far as negative things about the film, I can't help but say I think this has just gone too far. I don't believe Borat needed a sequel and I would of preferred to see Sacha Baron Cohen do something else at this point. A few things that take place in the film just weren't funny either. I definitely felt there were points in the film were Sacha Baron Cohen was just taking it too far and reaching for a laugh at the expense of the real-life people.
Regardless how I feel, I think Borat 2 will have its fans. I do think the sequel came at a perfect time for what they were aiming for. For me however, I just thought it was okay and I probably won't go to watch it anytime soon.
Grade: C