Da Ali G Show – The Complete First Season by HBO

Actors

• Sacha Baron Cohen
• Ali G

Format

• Color
• Dolby
• NTSC
• Subtitled

Editorial Review

“Keep it real” says Ali G (Sacha Baron Cohen) at the top of each show. Keeping it real is what the British comedian does–and doesn't do–during each episode. First, there's the character of Ali G himself. There's nothing real about this slang-slinging geezer. He's a poser, a white hip-hop wannabe from the 'burbs who aspires to be “gangsta” like Biggie and Tupac. His interview subjects, on the other hand, are the real deal: Newt Gingrich, Buzz Aldrin, Donald Trump, etc. Ali asks stupid questions, they attempt to provide intelligent answers. The humor comes from the disconnect between the two, which is to say: 60 Minutes meets In Living Color.

Da Ali G Show was a hit in Britain before Cohen brought his act to the States, but Ali wasn't the only character who came with him. There's also Borat, a Kazakhstan TV reporter with a shaky command of English. His show-within-a-show is called “Borat's Guide to America” and he travels the “US and A” interviewing regular folks, such as matchmakers and rodeo riders. Then there's Bruno, a sexually ambiguous fashion reporter with “Funkyzeit Mit Bruno.” His subjects include models and designers. Borat and Bruno have their moments, but Ali G is the star of the show and gets the most screen time. It's Ali G, after all, who gets both James Lipton and Ralph Nader to rap. (The verdict? Lipton's got skills; Nader should stick to politics.) As proof of his popularity in the U.K., Ali G got his own theatrical release, Ali G Indahouse in 2002. As proof of his popularity in the U.S., HBO renewed his show for a second season. Due to sexual content, raunchy humor, and drug content, Da Ali G Show is recommended for mature audiences. –Kathleen C. Fennessy