Head of State

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Head of State

PG-13

Released Mar 28, 2003

1h 35m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

30%

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121 Reviews

46%

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50,000+ Ratings

A low-level Washington, D.C., public servant, Mays Gilliam (Chris Rock), is thrust into the national spotlight when he's asked by Martin Geller (Dylan Baker), the head of the Democratic Party, to run for president after the party's presidential and vice-presidential nominees are killed in a plane crash. The odds are against Gilliam, mostly because he has a penchant for telling the truth about what is wrong with the country. Remarkably, his straight-talking style catches on with the public.

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Critics Consensus

Head of State squanders its potentially ripe premise with watered-down satire and formulaic gags.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Chris Rock runs for president.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 24, 2010

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Empire Magazine

Rated: 2/5

Dec 30, 2006

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

But in his acting pursuits, Rock just doesn't do well. He's stiff and uncomfortable on camera, especially when it comes to romantic or emotional scenes.

Rated: 1.5/4

Jun 19, 2003

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Armond White

National Review

Although Head of State purports to be wild comedy, it falls short of actual satire. Seen today, it looks like wish fulfillment in retrospect.

Nov 4, 2024

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Micheal Compton

Bowling Green Daily News

The film is much like the wannabe candidate foiled by the primaries. You can't help but think what could have been, if only the movie had gotten off on the right foot.

Rated: C+

Nov 15, 2019

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Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

Rock is a man who continues to perpetuate stereotypes for the price of "comedy" and continues making one terrible film after the other.

Apr 1, 2014

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Audience Member

This movie isn't deep and doesn't need to be. The fact that in 2025 it's still relatable is sad how humans haven't progressed but speaks to how well it was put together.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/12/25

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River P

I really enjoyed Head Of State. To me, Head Of State is funny. I’m not really big on Chris Rock, but I thought he was rather funny in the film. Not only did he star in the movie, but he also co-wrote the screenplay, produced and directed. The way Chris handled himself acting wise while doing 4 jobs and having people in the supporting cast like Bernie Mac, Dylan Baker, Nick Searcy and other humans around him made it work. I like how it’s a dramedy because it’s funny and serious at the same time. Everybody worked well with each other. Really good acting, solid script, solid set design, very solid production design, solid cinematography and a good story. Basically Chris Rock plays a character who just wants to have a career where he can run for office and become an american president. Him and Nick Searcy run against each other. I believe Dylan Baker plays his aid who helps him out. Bernie Mac plays his brother who supports him while giving out speeches. I love the different locations they filmed at. I wish there was a little bit more moments on some of the other states Chris’s character travels to and gives out more speeches to the audiences. Overall, Head Of State is a pretty good political dramedy. I quite liked the movie. Chris Rock actually played off the role decently well. He was less aggravating compared to some movies. He was pretty decent. I did not mind him in the film and he fit the role well. I really enjoy his performance. Everybody who were involved in the project did such a good job.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/30/24

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Charles T

Fun use of an hour and a half.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/11/23

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UnRealSilky J

Chris Rock I see why Will smith slapped you now, but my man Bernie Mac always deserves a 5 star. RIP

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

GRD I

I liked it a lot, not an amazing piece of cinematic beauty but funny

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/03/23

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Audience Member

I really loved this movie frowning up. Cheap laughs and some fun throughout

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/13/22

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Chris Rock

Director

Chris Rock

Mays Gilliam

Bernie Mac

Mitch Gilliam

Dylan Baker

Martin Geller

Nick Searcy

Brian Lewis

Lynn Whitfield

Debra Lassiter

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Synopsis

A low-level Washington, D.C., public servant, Mays Gilliam (Chris Rock), is thrust into the national spotlight when he's asked by Martin Geller (Dylan Baker), the head of the Democratic Party, to run for president after the party's presidential and vice-presidential nominees are killed in a plane crash. The odds are against Gilliam, mostly because he has a penchant for telling the truth about what is wrong with the country. Remarkably, his straight-talking style catches on with the public.

Director: Chris Rock
Producer: Chris Rock, Ali LeRoi, Michael Rotenberg
Screenwriter: Chris Rock, Ali LeRoi
Distributor: DreamWorks SKG
Production Co: DreamWorks SKG, 3 Arts Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Language|Drug References|Some Sexuality)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 28, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $37.8M
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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