The first trailer for Sacha Baron Cohen's **The Dictator **has arrived, and it is offensive. Just the way you (possibly) like it.
Billed as the cinematic adaptation of Iraqi romance novel "Zabibah and the King" by Saddam Hussein - yes, that Saddam Hussein - it differs greatly from the source text, portraying Baron Cohen as a foreign dictator who comes to America to learn a thing or two. Learn a thing or two, and, um, sleep with Megan Fox in exchange for some precious jewels, and zipline between buildings for no apparent reason. Unlike Bruno** and** Borat**, it's not a mockumentary, but it is directed by the same man: legendary Seinfeld writer Larry Charles.
As for the trailer itself, it's definitely not vintage Baron Cohen. The jokes feel a little tired, the casual rascism a touch too casual, a touch too rascist. Still, as he's playing dual roles in this one, and we're only seeing one side of the coin at this point, perhaps a few trailers down the line things will look very different.
Anyway, take a look for yourself and let us know what you think. Does Sasha have another Borat-sized smash on his hands or a another Ali G Indahouse? Let us know in the comment box below.
The Dictator, which also stars Anna Faris and Sir Ben Kingsley, is out May 18, 2012.