Gang culture meshes with political intrigue in Sacha Baron Cohen‘s outrageous satire, the first of three (to date) feature film adaptations based on characters from “Da Ali G Show.” Cohen plays the title character, the leader of Da West Staines Massiv, a gang whose leisure center (where Ali G teaches his “Keep It Real” classes) is set for demolition; while publicly protesting the imminent destruction (via hunger strike), Ali catches the attention of the corrupt Deputy Prime Minister David Carlton (Charles Dance), who attempts to use the gangster to tarnish the Prime Minister’s (Michael Gambon) credibility. One thing leads to another and Ali G finds himself elected to Parliament, which becomes a much livelier (and, in some ways, more effective) organization thanks to its newest member’s bizarre antics, streetwise philosophies and indulgences in pornography, alcohol and drugs. Followed by “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” (2006) and “Bruno” (2009). – IFC Staff
Ali G Indahouse
