Sacha Baron Cohen's mockumentary "Ali G: Who Iz I?" is now available on Prime Video, marking a disappointing return for the comedian's early alter ego. The film, which also saw a limited theatrical release, struggles to coalesce as either a compelling piece of cinema or a successful prank, falling far short of the impact seen in Baron Cohen's earlier works like "Borat."
This latest effort borrows characters from both "Da Ali G Show" and "Who Is America?" to construct a narrative ostensibly about the modern United States. The flimsy plot follows Ali G as he learns his girlfriend, Julie, is pregnant, prompting him to travel to Los Angeles to secure a third season of his interview series. There, he encounters another Baron Cohen character, Dr. Nira Cain-N'Degeocello, a caricature of liberal academia who aims to accuse Ali G of cultural appropriation. Throughout their interactions with various bystanders, Baron Cohen employs his signature prankish style, but the instigations feel remarkably weak. The film appears to lack sufficient footage of genuine outrage or even strained politeness from its subjects, suggesting a cultural shift where such antics no longer provoke strong reactions.
"Who Iz I?" attempts to tackle contemporary issues like "cancel culture" and "DEI," but its focus feels skewed, and the commentary is largely superficial. While it eventually targets those in power, the humor often relies on low-hanging fruit, such as penile jokes, which are largely ignored by the subjects. This forces Baron Cohen into awkward edits around non-reactions, highlighting the film's struggle to elicit responses.
The film's underlying theme seems less about societal critique and more about Baron Cohen's own perceived relevance. The plot becomes increasingly fixated on Dr. Nira's efforts to discredit Ali G, an element that feels like a preemptive defense against potential criticism of Baron Cohen's shtick. However, the movie itself demonstrates that such concerns are largely unfounded, as its release is proof of his continued ability to produce content, even if its quality is questionable. The film's attempts to engage with current cultural conversations, like a brief cameo from Rachel Dolezal, feel dated and ineffective.
Ultimately, "Ali G: Who Iz I?" is characterized by a lack of risk-taking and a failure to deliver substantial commentary. The Ali G character serves more as a clownish prop than a vehicle for political satire. The film presents a revealing, albeit unintentional, portrait of artistic insecurity, as Baron Cohen seems out of touch with a culture that has largely moved past his brand of humor. The movie's swift transition from theatrical release to streaming further suggests a lack of confidence in its broader appeal and effectiveness.