Head Of State
Dreamworks Home Entertainment
Cast: Chris Rock, Bernie Mac, Lynn Whitfield, Dylan Baker, Nick Searcy
Extras: Commentary Track, Featurette, Deleted Scenes, Photo Gallery
Rating:
Chris Rock wrote, directed and starred in Dreamworks’ latest comedy to come to DVD, ’Head of State.’ The film is a hilarious persiflage on the subject of political campaigning, which, of course, has reached an all-time low with the ridiculous antics we witnessed in the Bush/Gore campaigns, and the result of having a self-declared president, versus one that was actually elected by the people.
Rock has an uncanny eye for many of the ludicrous attitudes put on display in these campaigns and he speaks out and breaks down the walls of these moronic taboos that have ultimately nothing to do with politics or qualification, turning campaigns into the verbal equivalent of mud-wrestling. The most unlikely of all candidates, Rock is running for president (of what?) and shocks the world with his emotions, his human errors and mistakes, his weaknesses and most importantly with speaking his mind. He doesn’t remain a puppet of the spin doctors who hired him in the first place for very long, and soon his honest attitude and hard-working background make him one of the most popular runners in the race.
While the film is extreme in many aspects, completely overdrawing reality, I found myself laughing so hard, so many times that it actually hurt. Breaking the code of political ethics and political correctness, Chris Rock is giving us a look at what political campaigns are about – and what they actually SHOULD be about. With plenty of laughs, he makes you think and wonder, if there will ever be another honest politician ever, who actually has the common sense required to make the decisions for the people.
Dreamworks is presenting ’Head Of State’ in a flawless anamorphic widescreen transfer on this DVD that is fee of blemishes and absolutely clear. A high level of detail and rich colors make this movie even more fun to watch and the lack of compression artifacts adds to the experience.
The movie comes with a DTS and a Dolby Digital track, as well as a Dolby Surround track and a French dub. All tracks are dynamic and active, making good use of the surrounds.
A commentary track by Chris Rock, that is just as outrageous and far out as the film itself, is also included, as well as a making of featurette with interviews and behind the stage footage. Rounded out by six deleted scenes and a photo gallery, this DVD leaves a good impression, indeed.
A great cast, a hilarious premise and some smart observations make ’Head Of State’ a very funny thrill ride. One can only hope Washington is watching, too, and takes one or two pieces advice from Chris Rock. Check it, out, man!
