Head of State MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +1 Content: -2

In this comedy, Mays Gilliam (Chris Rock) is a guy trying to do good in his own neighborhood. He becomes a local hero after he rescues a lady from a building that is about to explode. The publicity he gets draws the attention of a political party that has just lost both of its candidates for president in a midair collision. Realizing that its too late in the campaign to win, the party recruits Mays to put them in a position to win in the future. At first, Mays follows the advice of his campaign manager Martin Geller (Dylan Baker) and adviser Debra Lassiter (Lynn Whitfield), giving boring speeches on nonissues. But his brother Mitch (Bernie Mac) advises him to speak from the heart, and his speeches begin to take on a different tone. All the while, Mays obnoxious exgirlfriend (Robin Givens) keeps trying to get back with him because of his new-found fame.

This film is entertaining in places, but it is generally poorly written and acted. Mays is unwillingness to stray from his personal beliefs, but they unfortunately are a pretty low standard. White conservatives may find the racist tone of the film offensive since it portrays them as stupid and selfish. After an announcement that a black man may be the next U.S. president, thousands of whites are shown pouring out of their homes to vote. The vice presidential candidate is a violent man who hits or punches anyone with whom he doesnt want to speak. Mays assistant is paid to keep him sexually satisfied, but he declines. Liberal propaganda is prevalent through out the film. One preposterous message of the film is this: If you work in an expensive hotel, you should be paid enough to afford staying in that hotel. Head of State has its sweet moments but often turns to vulgarity and is not recommended by Preview.

Preview Reviewer: Alan Boyer
Distributor: DreamWorks Pictures