Head of State (2003)

Chris Rock writes, directs, and stars in the sassy political comedy Head of State, about Mays Gilliam, a black man who's chosen by the leaders of an unspecificed party to run for president after their previous candidates die in a plan crash. Though he initially follows his handler's instructions, Gilliam soon starts handling speeches in his own brazen, outspoken way, which starts to turn the tide--which upsets the party leaders who chose him, since they expected him to lose. While Head of State doesn't quite have the razor wit that Rock wields in his stand-up routine, it has a sharper edge than just about any other political satire in recent memory. Rock bursts with charisma, and his supporting cast (including Lynn Whitfield, Dylan Baker, Robin Givens, and especially Bernie Mac as Gilliam's brother and running mate) provide solid comic support. --Bret Fetzer Amazon.com

Pretty good movie for a first time director

Head Of State is a pretty funny movie from the not always funny Chris Rock. With history possibly getting ready to be made in Novemeber this film is a true testament of what goes on in poltics. With his directoral debut, Rock made an enjoyable fim.The ad campagins that Rock does towards his opponent had me in tears. Then when Berine Mac comes into the movie he steals it with every scene he's in. If you want a funny film then check this one out. September 14, 2008

Worth watching in this 2008 election season

A mostly silly and shallow parable, the humor seemingly aimed at a lowest-common-denominator sort of viewing audience. And yet, in this season when there actually IS an African-American running for president, it is worth watching, for the occasionally funny gag, and for the sometimes startling, premonitory parallels with the reality we witness every day.... July 28, 2008

Actually really good

I reviewed a bunch of movies for a paper about how Hollywood portrays black presidents in movies (my conclusion is only a black person can be president if there is an impending disaster, a science fiction based story, a funny person or takes place in the far future).
This was one of the 7 I watched (my favorite is The Man with James Earl Jones). I thought it was going to be a ridiculous joke but it was actually really good. Chris Rock is funny and smart in this. April 8, 2008

Head of State

I think we all know Eminem did a better job of keeping it real. But Rock kept me chuckling, and eventually threw in enough to make it worthwhile even though he does play the "look how funny we black folks is" card too often. The big debate was stupid, though. I'd rather rewatch Eminem's rap battle. I may need to rewatch WAG THE DOG because it's more accurate. But damn it all, I've watched this twice and can't seem to add it to the great "DVD Swap Collection" we expats in China pass around. I'd still vote for Chris Rock against Dubya. MG2K4. Ya heard? August 28, 2006

Chris Rocks the Votes. in this clever, Intelligent underrated movie.

Chris Rock does an excellent job writing directing and co-producing Head of State. It's a hilarious comedy with a lot of heart and a lot of soul. Well-written, intelligent and extremely clever, Rock's comedy stays true to its African-American roots while making commentary about the sad state of the current political process in America. Perhaps in his own way Rock is trying to send a message to politicians to express real ideas, speak from the heart.
In Head Of State Chris Rock plays a struggling Washington D.C. Alderman who gets no respect. Constituents don't appreciate the aspiring politician, and his girlfriend (Robin Givens) dumps him leaving him with unpaid bills and a repossessed car. The next day his boss (Keith David) fires him. He thinks things are turning around when the Democratic Party recruits him to run for President. The jokes on him; the Democratic party knows it can't win against the popular two-term Republican vice president in 2004, so they decide to trot out Rock's character as a filler candidate until the 2008 election. They don't believe a black candidate has a chance, but the alderman believes in himself.
The campaign is dull until a pep talk from his brother (Bernie Mac) at a Chicago campaign stop. Soon Chris changes campaign tactics and decides to be real. The more he's true to his Black self the more his poll numbers start to go up. This is when the movie really takes off. When Rock's Alderman starts saying what he feels instead of what he's rehearsed, the campaign starts to come to life. All of a sudden this underdog has a chance. All of a suddent the woman who dumped him wants him back, but the candidate has his eyes on a hardworking gas station worker (Tamala Jones)
As the alderman's polls numbers start to go up, the incumbent candidate starts to worry about the underdog, Rock's campaign manager's worry about controlling him. But he still believes in himself. He hits a snag after a school shooting, but with the help of his brother decides to challenge the incumbent to a debate. Things come to a head when the two candidates debate. Rock's character is full of energy and new ideas, and he eventually goes on to embarrass the uninspired jargon-spouting incumbent. In the end he wins the presidency becoming the head of State, and gets the girl who works at the gas station.
I really enjoyed this movie; I feel guilty about missing this one in theatres because this movie made me laugh and smile so much in two hours. I got give Chris Rock props for creating a film with a positive message and writing black characters in this movie that are intelligent and hardworking. In this "Gangsta" era it's rare to see a movie focusing on regular working class black folks. More props to Chris for making a movie with quality production values. A lot of black filmmakers don't take time to focus on crucial details like cinematography, casting and editing. Paying attention to those often ignored film elements transforms Head of State from a good screenplay into a great movie.
Besides Rock's hilarious and intelligent portrayal of the presidential candidate underdog, there are some great performances here from the supporting cast. Rock writes well-developed characters for all his cast, not just himself. Bernie Mac steals the few scenes he's in and has great chemistry with Rock; they feel like brothers. Robin Givens is hilarious as the gold-digging ex in her pitiful attempts to win back her man. Givens has the best performance of her career; I never thought she could be so funny. Lynn Whitfield literally disappears from the screen and becomes the campaign manger. She must have channeled Condelezza Rice for this performance. This woman is extremely underrated; she needs to be the lead in more films! (Cough*Halle Berry's upcoming Nefertiri* Cough) Tamala Jones is sweet as the love interest.
Head of State is a Shawn James five star essential video. Pick this one up along with Eddie Murphy's The Distinguished Gentleman, CB4, and The Great White Hype for your black cinema night. While you're at it, pick up Diary of A Mad Black Woman and How U Like Me Now.
December 13, 2005

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