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Reviews
'Eliza on the Ice' (1944)
Old Copy of "Eliza On Ice"
I have an old home movie copy of "Eliza On Ice" that's missing a few feet at the beginning but is otherwise in excellent shape. Yes, by today's standards this would be definitely offensive because of the several racial stereotypes. The worst, I think, is a scene where black men on a train are using watermelons to stoke the engine. Of course, on the flip side, Eliza (and Mighty Mouse) do win out in the end over the evil slave hunter Simon LeGree, so there's a positive message (of sorts). But I agree that this film will probably never be shown at a film festival. At best, it is important for students of 20th century culture and those who study race and race relations, so in that regard it's important for serious historians. But I liken this film to the old Mammy cookie jars and some of those old salt and pepper shakers of black boys eating watermelon (the pepper came from his head, the detachable watermelon had the salt, I believe). Offensive but, from a historical standpoint, curious.
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
Absolutely hilarious
This is the most outlandish, original, over-the-top movie since "Pink Flamingos." Cohen is a comic genius, a worthy successor to Peter Sellers and Robin Williams. Where do you begin to describe this outrageously hilarious film? Nearly every scene is a laugh riot, a must-see! As for the controversies about the main character's prejudices, this movie is actually a brilliant expose of all kinds of prejudices. And as far as him making fun of Kazhakstan, the comedy is so broad and the jokes so unbelievable that you really have to lack a sense of humor not to realize how idiotic those jokes are. Not to give anything away, but my top favorite scenes were the wrestling scene in the hotel room, and the Pamela Anderson scene at the end, but there were so many funny moments, it's hard to stop laughing just thinking about them hours after I saw the film. Bravo!