Head of State
Seen it?2003 | 95 min | Comedy, Drama
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With middling reviews (30% on Rotten Tomatoes) and little lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved White Men Can't Jump or Code 3, start here. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
- The mood
- Provocative satire that goes after everyone.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 35 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
When a presidential candidate dies unexpectedly in the middle of the campaign, the Democratic party unexpectedly picks a Washington, D.C. alderman as his replacement.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
30% on Rotten Tomatoes, 44 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
5.6 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$38 million worldwide on a $35 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 61K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Chris Rock
- Chris RockMays Gilliam
- Bernie MacMitch Gilliam
- Dylan BakerMartin Geller
- Nick SearcyBrian Lewis
- Lynn WhitfieldDebra Lassiter
- Robin GivensKim
- Tamala JonesLisa Clark
- James RebhornSenator Bill Arnot
- Keith DavidBernard Cooper
- Tracy MorganMeat Man