Head of State

[dh1989]

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0325537/HeadOfState1.jpg

Plot: When a presidential candidate dies unexpectedly in the middle of the campaign, the Democratic party unexpectedly picks a Washington, D.C. alderman, Mays Gilliam (Rock) as his replacement .

Starring: Chris Rock ("Down To Earth"), Bernie Mac ("Ocean's Eleven"), Tamala Jones ("Blue Streak"), and Lynn Whitfield ("Eve's Bayou").

Directed By: Chris Rock (Directorial Debut).

Written By: Chris Rock ("CB4") and Ali LeRoi ("Down To Earth").

MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for language, some sexuality and drug references.

Thoughts: Like "The Core", I don't think this film looks thought-provoking or amazing, but they do look like great fun. Chris Rock is always a funny man to me. Even if mediocre flicks like "Lethal Weapon 4" and "Down To Earth", he makes me laugh with his crazy antics. Taking that into account, I can't imagine a film where he holds the directing, starring(along with Bernie Mac no less), and co-writing reigns not be HILARIOUS. I will definitely see "Head of State" and I pray it delivers the big laughs, which "Bringing Down the House" did not.

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0325537/dreamworks_2003_05.jpg

[blankpage]

I am not quite sure about this film. It may be a copy of other Rock's films, with the jokes that is. I may possibly see this film, but with low expectations.

[Mike]

I doubt I'll see it in theaters, but I'll definitely give it a rent. The TV spots surprised me and it actually doesn't look too bad. Of course, the main thing that makes me want to see it (and I'm sure it will be one reason a lot of people want to see it as well) is the older ladies singing. I know I'm probably lame for wanting to see it because of that, but I just think that part looks so funny. Overall, it doesn't look bad, but it's not something that I want to see bad enough to actually check it out in theaters.

[Strider]

There's only two words as to why I want to check out "Head of State".....

BERNIE MAC!!!!

This man is hilarious, and he cracks me up! He's definitely one of the best and most talented comedians out there today.

The movie doesn't look that great, but with Rock and Mac onboard, it looks like it could be a funny ride.

Strider

[Benny]

Chris Rock is such a great standup comedian, that it's hard to believe his film career's been so disappointing. However, I am looking forward to this movie because it looks like a funny concept, plus Rock co-wrote and directed it, and Bernie Mac is in it.

[BarryEgan]

When I first heard of the concept of Chris Rock co-writing, directing, and starring in a comedy about the first black man in the running for President of the United States of America, I though to myself, "That could be freakin' hilarious". That's of course before I started seeing trailers for it, and saw that it wasn't R-rated. Then my whole opinion on the project went completely downhill.

Rock has yet to really do anything in film that is worth seeing. The closest he has is his supporting role in the underseen and underrated Nurse Betty, which I think everyone should check out if they get the chance. And this looks to be no different. Another laugh-less, life-less comedy that appears to just be the story of "Random man from street is put into position of power, if only as a joke. Random man starts spouting wisdom and changing everyone's lives. Random man becomes hero". Something that Rock basically did in Down to Earth another shitty starring vehicle for Rock...At least the Weitz Brothers went on to do About a Boy

I'll probably end up seeing this on cable at like 2 in the morning in some sort nauseated stupor. I'll post my reviews then.

[TheMovieMinor]

Thats right Bernie Mac! Chris Rock actually looks to be funny for a change. A good comedy. Will Definatly see this one. Maybe I can laugh more than just a ha from "bringing down the house."

[Moviefreek]

It looks ok...well..bernie mac does...The Old Ladies talkin slang....I hate it...its so stupid...if thats what the movie has to offer...i'll pass..

I do like the line "when asked what 4 plus 4 was...she said 44"

[sharkstank]

this looks funny.i like rock and mac and the plot seems to have many funny oppurtunities.wont see it this week though($'s tight)

[Freeway]

I personally believe that Head of State looks for the most part cliched and dull. Plus, I find Chris Rock obnoxious but I do like Bernie Mac.

[HHH123007]

I saw it today. Meh.

I expect more from Rock. He needs to let loose with a hardcore R-rated flick....Bernie Mac was funny, but that was about it....

I sat behind two black people who were shitting their pants with laughter throughout the whole thing....I guess it wasn't that funny because of my whiteness...:(

That's about all I can say.....5/10.

[Puck Bond]

Head of State looks like another dumb fish out of water loud mouth Chris Rock comedy, but I am going to see it. Bernie Mac should be pretty funny though. Not very high expectations for this one but some good laughs. I plan on seeing it next week.

[Strider]

Head of State (2003)

"Head of State" is another comedy that's around the same lines as the current box-office hit, "Bringing Down the House", a decent, funny, and entertaining film, but nothing special.

This marks Chris Rock's directorial debut, and his film is basically a satire focusing on presendential elections and political figures. Also, I think Rock made this film to show something that could happen, and that's a black man becoming the president of the United States. "Head of State" carries a positive (somewhat...) message, and delivers a statisfying amount of good laughs along the way.

My only gripe with "Head of State" is the underused Bernie Mac. This man is hilarous, and I honestly think he's one of the best and most talented comedians out there right now. I was hoping Mac would have a bigger role, but he doesn't, he just has a very small supporting role. There's really no need to complain, though. Mac makes the most of his limited screen time, and he brings the laughs, and they're damn good.

There's another complaint I have, but it has nothing to do with the film itself. I think it's time for Chris Rock to stop appearing in PG-13 rated comedies, and start doing a few R-rated ones. I don't have a problem with the more subdued Chris Rock, but I also would like to see his hardcore self one of these days on the screen.

If you're looking for a decent comedy, then you can't really go wrong with "Head of State". Again, it's not anything special, but it does deliver the laughs, the entertainment, and a good time at the movies.

Running Time: 1 hour 36 minutes

Grade: 6/10 or *** out of ***** stars

Strider

[Puck Bond]

Head of State is a somewhat entertaining comedy/drama about the possibility of an African American running for the President of the United States of America, but that is also part of the problem. Does this film want to be a flat out comedy or an earnest and somewhat sincere drama. It can't have it both ways. Obviously you don't have to be a genius to figure out it is clearly marketed as a comedy, and yes comedic elements do dominate the movie, but there is surprising sincerity in what Rock tries to get across with his political views. The issue of an African American in the White House is a serious one...and I hope one day we see a sincere and interesting drama about that. This movie is not it, but it trys to do a little bit of that. Comedic star Chris Rock wrote, directed and produced this film and it is plainly obvious that it is based on his comedy of how minorites have it rough in today's America and there is need for widespread change within our social and economic structures. He plays Mays Gilliam, an alderman in Washington D.C. who fights for the rights of the downtrodden and looks after his underdeveloped neighborhood. When the Democratic candidate and his running mate die in a plane crash (interupting a Jay-Z song) and the party needs a new candidate two months before the election they figure with no time left they are already going to lose so they decide to hire a black man to run in order to curry favor from minorities so in the next campaign there leading white candidate can win. Naturally at the beginning they try to control Gilliam by telling him what to say and how to dress...and he realizes he has to speak from the heart and the truth to reach the people, because he plans to win the damn thing! There are various sublots like Gilliam's annoying ex-girlfriend played by Robin Givens who wants to get back with him because he is famous now. I always got a kick out of her being taken down by "security!" everytime she showed up...and instead Gilliam begins to take a liking to his local sweet gas station attendent Lisa Clark played by Tamala Jones. Also Gilliam picks his older brother Mitch Gilliam to be his running mate played by Bernie Mac, who really doesn't add much except a lot of punching people out! It is all pretty formulaic and predictable but there are some nice touches like Mays imagining an assassination and the campaign comercials and the stuff with his opponent are pretty funny. Naturally we are also given the loud and blaring rap soundtrack...and Gilliam busting up an uptight party is quite fun. Overall, Head of State is a so-so comedy about a black man running for President. It does have some interesting things to say and Chris Rock is good eventhough it's his usual routine. There are some funny moments, but still I would like to see a sincere serious film about the possobility of an African American in the White House. I think the subject deserves that.

[bskutle]

Speaking your mind is a tricky business nowadays. So how did Chris Rock's political comedy get to #1 at the box-office? Beats me, but I'm glad it did- Rock stars, co-wrote (w/ Ali LeRol), and directed this hilarious satire about a D.C. alderman asked to run for President by a party who's candidate (and running man) is killed in a plane crash. The party wants him to lose and setup for the next one; he wants to speak his mind, get his priorities- and those of the people he helps in his earlier work- on the agenda, and go out there and "run his race." That includes choosing his brother- the always funny Bernie Mac- as his running mate. Rock isn't much of a director (Kevin Smith- the only director yet to "get" Rock in rebel comedies like "Dogma" and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" (sorry, forgot about Neil LaBute in his grossly underrated "Nurse Betty")- or Mike Judge (whose "Office Space" is a cult fave satire) would have served better in "State's" director's chair), but Rock's wicked wit comes through in the amusing script and his equally amusing performance, and those performances of the actors he's gotten to play the parts in his comedy (Dylan Baker, Robin Givens, and Tamala Jones stand out). If the hot-button nature of Rock's comedy causes a dip- and disappearance- of "Head of State" at the box-office comes as a result of touchy feelings right, let me hear you say, "That ain't right."

[rushmore beauty]

I saw Head of State yesterday...it's just the trailers make it look. I thought the trailer weren't that good annd neither was the movie. It also made gays look like a bunch of flaming cocksmokers which I found verrrrrry offensive, and I'm not even gay. A 4/10 just because a little girl said "bust a cap on his ass" which i found humorous.

[TheMovieMinor]

Saw it last night before Phone Booth, and have to say this is possibly the funniest movie I have seen in the past few years. Absolutley hilarious. Then when Bernie Mac joined the film when he was chosen as vice, it got funnier. GREAT FILM!! Chris Rock knows how to write a true comedy w/o the language.

9/10.

We interupt the Jay-Z song with this news. ----- Now we return to Jay-Z.

[Sinfolti]

Now i'm not black. Nor am i all white. I be mexican and irish and other stuff. But the other night. i went to see old school and during the previews there was one for bringing down the house. The only part that was laughed at was when Steve Martin did the worst black person impression i've ever seen. Not only did all the whites laugh. They erupted in none stop laughter. Some in the back were high five-ing each other. Now i don't know the social ramifications of this . but i think seeing the safe, whitty, non threatening blacks in films makes the white man happy. Now on to Head of State. Two great comedians. But they seem to have trouble taking there funny and putting to good use in films. Someone needs to tell them .....u don't need to please the white man. Be yourselves. Especially if you cowrote it. Don't go for the easy jokes that can be antisipate. Be original... And most importantly for a comedy......be funny.