Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
More stereotypes and risqué humor from Borat comedian.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
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Where to Watch
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The Dictator
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 46 kid reviews
Kids say this movie mixes humor with crude and offensive content, making it suitable primarily for mature teens and adults rather than younger audiences. Many reviewers found it hilarious and clever, but noted that it features sexual jokes, nudity, and offensive stereotypes that could be uncomfortable for some viewers.
- funny
- crude content
- not for kids
- mature teens
- offensive stereotypes
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE DICTATOR, Admiral General Aladeen (Sacha Baron Cohen) is reviled the world over for his universal disdain for peace and justice and anything that remotely allows countries to get along. He's a warmonger who disrespects his own people and is more interested in bedding the latest Hollywood starlet than trying to bring democracy to his country. And he's rich, thanks to his country's bounty of oil (which he prefers to keep for the country's use). But then, while on a trip to the United Nations, Aladeen's uncle (Ben Kingsley) gets him out of the way so that he can put a doppelganger in Aladeen's place, one who will sign over his dictatorship to make way for "democracy"—in other words, the ability to sell oil to the highest bidders. Aladeen is shocked and, somehow, must rely on a peace-loving organic grocer named Zoey (Anna Faris) to regain power.
Is It Any Good?
Baron Cohen's movie about a Middle Eastern dictator is likely to be a guilty pleasure for fans of the controversial comedian. The Dictator is full of jokes that cue both laughter and a small helping of shame, but make no mistake about it, General Aladeen is a nasty piece of work. He's offensive, sexist, selfish, violent (though he apparently has never killed anyone, despite what he thinks), and arrogant. But he's also incompetent and silly and, in a not-so-surprising twist, capable of showing some level of love toward his new wife, even if he continues to say and do horrendous things.
A brazen comedy, The Dictator works for the most part because it boldly goes where many filmmakers never go for fear of lousing it up and coming across as completely insensitive. Just don't go looking for fully realized characters or a deeper analysis of the state of global affairs, because there aren't any here. It's just satire that's out to shock—and provide plenty of laughs.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the humor in The Dictator. Does Baron Cohen's brand of stereotype-driven satire have a larger point, or is it just meant to shock viewers into laughter?
For all its jokes, does The Dictator have any underlying truths about world politics? What does it get completely wrong?
How does The Dictator compare to Baron Cohen's other films, such as Borat and Brüno? Which style do you prefer, and why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 16, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : April 25, 2023
- Cast : Anna Faris , John C. Reilly , Sacha Baron Cohen
- Director : Larry Charles
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 83 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong crude and sexual content, brief male nudity, language and some violent images
- Last updated : June 27, 2026
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