From Deseret News archives:
Head of State
Film review
That's something the former stand-up comedian can manage quite nicely, even when the material is as inconsistent as "Head of State." And to be fair, the film does have its share of laugh-out-loud moments at least as many as it has derisive and mean-spirited moments.
Still, it's good thing the film has Bernie Mac, who manages to steal every scene he's in; he often rescues things when they start getting bogged down.
Rock wears a lot of hats here. He not only directed but co-wrote the script, and he stars as Mays Gilliam, a Washington, D.C., alderman who's probably too nice for his own good. As a result, he's lost his job, his car and his girlfriend (Robin Givens), all in short order.
So it's no surprise that he's depressed. Fortunately, he's given a second chance when the Democratic Party's presidential candidate is killed.
With virtually no chance of winning the race and just weeks until the election, party leaders decide to tank the campaign. So, their unlikely choice of candidates is Mays, who's virtually unknown outside of his hometown.
However, things change considerably when they reach Chicago and Mays' tough-talking, bail-bondsman brother (Mac) suddenly reminds him of why he got into politics in the first place.
What happens from there is extremely predictable, to put it mildly, and the requisite romantic subplot (which wastes the talents of Tamala Jones) seems like something of an afterthought.
As director, Rock's comic timing seems to be a bit off. But he is smart enough to often let his co-star Mac carry the picture. Another smart decision was to employ hip-hop artist Jay-Z as the film's musical "narrator."
"Head of State" is rated PG-13 for frequent use of strong profanity (including one usage of the so-called "R-rated" curse word), violence (some fisticuffs, slapping and shootings, all of them done for laughs), use of some racial epithets and crude sexual slang terms, brief drug content (references to drug use and dealing) and brief sexual contact. Running time: 93 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com
Comments
Cast: Chris Rock, Bernie Mac, Tamala Jones, Lynn Whitfield
Find a Movie Theater
- Two American pilots die in Iraq 12:47 a.m.
- Murder suspect is vetran, avid skier 12:47 a.m.
- MLB: Zambrano's mom kidnapped 12:32 a.m.
- Lambert surprisingly tops news 12:25 a.m.
- Philadelphia transit strike ends 12:25 a.m.
- TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd 12:24 a.m.
- 12 high schools ready for 'The Turf' 12:17 a.m.
- RSL unfazed by conference final 12:17 a.m.
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated 12:17 a.m.
- Today on TV 12:13 a.m.
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
216 - House passes health care bill
201 - Lobo suspended
173 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
151 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
129 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - Thousands protest health bill
102 - Provo company innovating engines
101 - Utes pound winless Lobos
89 - BYU cuts Women's Research Institute
88
STOP blaming the Democrats, BLAME THE REPUBLICANS FOR 8 YEARS DOING NOTHING...
The best way to break the law is to become someone who enforces the law.
It's a real shame so many folks have never gotten out and gotten to know the...
It's all talk... you do not have any evidence for your claims. You assume...
Maybe if you could bat .408 in the major leagues, you too would be paid a...
I prefer the “Wizard of Earthsea” quartet by Ursula Le Guin, an...
The bottom line question that no one can possibly answer is; what will be the...
It looks to me like special treatment.
Jazz will have a tough week, with what should be a easy win against the...
I am very excited for this game. As much as I want the Utes to win, it won't...




You can be the first to comment on this story.