‘Brüno’: Must a Movie Like This Be Broadcast Üniversal?

CHICAGO – As a tribute to “Borat,” let’s start with a lesson in “not” jokes.

“Brüno” is everything one would hope for in a Sacha Baron Cohen return. The film is hilarious, unpredictable and worth every dollar it will make… not! There is a great fallacy that has spread in Hollywood and “Brüno” is one of its many victims.

Rating: 2.0/5.0

Some making and marketing comedies believe that shocking their audience is an edgy and guaranteed formula for laughter. For the greater part of films like “Brüno,” however, the audience feels only disgust. Far from amused, several leave before the film has concluded.

Read Elizabeth Oppriecht’s full review of “Brüno” in our reviews section.

Attempting to match the cinematic success of 2006’s “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan,” “Brüno” follows much the same format. This time we have an Austrian-import title character traveling with his assistant’s assistant, Lutz (Gustaf Hammatsten).

Just as Borat did in 2006, Brüno meets with politicians, celebrities and members of the global community for his own special brand of interview. However, Borat struck a responsive chord because of the innocence and humanity of the character.

We empathized with him and enjoyed laughing (for the most part) at his supposed naiveté. Baron Cohen’s Brüno proves to be nothing more than a self-absorbed histrionic character who is constantly foul just for foul’s sake. For Brüno, emotional depth is a faux accessory worn as low as his Dolce & Gabbana belt.

Read Elizabeth Oppriecht’s full review of “Brüno” in our reviews section.

The comedy “Brüno” from Universal Pictures is Sacha Baron Cohen’s follow up to “Borat”.
Photo credit: Frank Ockenfels, Universal Pictures

Read Elizabeth Oppriecht’s full review of “Brüno” in our reviews section.