Ali G Indahouse: The Movie

The feature film debut of British comic Sacha Baron Cohen's "Ali G" character offers numbing evidence of what happens when a one-note-joke is stretched to the fraying point. Ali G (Cohen), for those out of the loop, is a white wannabe gangsta who speaks in a somewhat fractured version of hip hop jargon and dresses in the clothing, eyewear, and jewelry favored by rap stars. Ali G became a hit with Americans thanks to the popular HBO series Da Ali G Show, in which the title character conducts a series of inane interviews with various dignitaries and celebrities, none of whom realize that the rap poseur is actually Cohen. Ali G Indahouse, however, asks Ali G to carry a feature film and his gangsta shtick wears out its welcome very, very quickly. Unable to offer genuine wit, Cohen relies on cheap and vulgar sight gags (including oral sex performed by a dog) that are thoroughly devoid of grins let alone laughs. The "house" in question, incidentally, is the House of Commons, where Ali G somehow winds up as the surprise winner of a political campaign. Even Union Jack-waving Anglophiles will find little reason to be amused by the film's send up of British politics, not to mention the dignity-shattering supporting performances by Michael Gambon and Charles Dance as unscrupulous politicians who are too easily bested by Ali G. Not recommended. [Note: Available in either widescreen or full screen versions, DVD extras include audio commentary by Ali G and Ricky C (costars Sasha Baron Cohen and Martin Freeman), 22 minutes of deleted scenes, outtakes and “mistakes” with an intro by Ali G, Ali G's 12-minute behind-the-scenes “Video Diary,” a two-minute “Talking the Talk” glossary featurette with an intro by Ali G, a photo gallery, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a disappointing film.] (P. Hall)