Sacha Baron Cohen Revives Ali G Character for "Ali G: Who Iz I?"

Sacha Baron Cohen has resurrected his character Ali G for the new film "Ali G: Who Iz I?," now available on Amazon Prime Video. The movie marks the return of the British rapper persona, known for satirizing white men who adopt elements of other cultures, after more than 25 years.

The film follows Ali G and his girlfriend Julie, played by Morgana Robinson, as they navigate financial troubles and the complexities of impending fatherhood. Their predicament leads them to America, where they engage in Cohen's signature guerilla-style comedy, aiming to expose the beliefs of various individuals and public figures. The plot involves a mistaken belief about an HBO contract renewal, a move to the U.S., and interactions with MAGA supporters, a DEI consultant, and a television producer.

Cohen also reprises his roles from the 2018 series "Who Is America?" as Erran Morad, a former Israeli Mossad agent, and Dr. Nira Cain-N’Degeocello, an ultra-leftist intellectual. These characters become involved in the film's narrative, with Morad being hired to counter Ali G.

"Ali G: Who Iz I?" has been compared to Cohen's previous works, with critics placing it in a similar vein to "Bruno" but less impactful than the "Borat" films. The movie's humor often relies on controversial language and provocative situations, including interactions with individuals from various political and social backgrounds.

The film's review suggests that while Cohen's methods may be familiar, the underlying intent of critiquing harmful ideologies and exposing hypocrisy remains. The review notes that the movie is "baseline amusing, and only occasionally laugh-out-loud funny," with particularly effective moments during its climactic sequence. Despite the passage of time, the film is seen as a reminder that problematic beliefs persist and that humor can serve as a tool for cultural commentary.

"Ali G: Who Iz I?" is described as a solid outing for Cohen and suitable for the streaming era, allowing viewers to engage with its content selectively. The film was released on Prime Video after a limited theatrical run.