The Dictator (2012) Review in 2025
The Dictator is a comedy film starring Sacha Baron Cohen as Admiral General Aladeen, a dictator from the fictional country of Wadiya. The movie follows Aladeen's journey as he tries to protect his country from a plot to overthrow him.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of Sacha Baron Cohen and comedy. However, it may not be suitable for all audiences due to mature themes and language.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie takes a dark turn when Aladeen discovers that his advisor, Nadia (Anna Faris), is secretly working with the Americans to overthrow him. Aladeen must use his wits and cunning to outsmart his enemies and save his country.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a good balance of humor and satire. However, the plot is not particularly original and relies on some familiar tropes.
acting9.00/10
The acting is excellent, with Sacha Baron Cohen delivering a standout performance as Admiral General Aladeen. The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Anna Faris and John C. Reilly.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and memorable, particularly Sacha Baron Cohen's performance as Admiral General Aladeen. The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Anna Faris and John C. Reilly.
direction8.00/10
The direction is solid, with a good sense of pacing and timing. However, the film's tone can be inconsistent at times, veering wildly from comedy to drama.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is competent, but not particularly impressive. The film's visuals are often dull and uninspired, which can make the movie feel a bit flat at times.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Sacha Baron Cohen's performance as Admiral General Aladeen is excellent, and the supporting cast is also excellent. The movie is well-paced and engaging, with a good balance of humor and satire.
Cons
The plot is not particularly original, and the film's tone can be inconsistent at times. The cinematography is also a bit dull and uninspired.
Notable Quotes
"I am Admiral General Aladeen, the greatest dictator the world has ever known!"
"I will not be silenced! I will not be oppressed! I will not be defeated!"
"You're not a dictator, you're a clown in a funny hat!"
