Head of State Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A D.C. alderman, dumped by his girl and losing his job, accidentally becomes president and then gets to tell everyone what’s *really* what.

🍿 Head of State: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Unexpected Nomination

Mays Gilliam, a local alderman in Washington D.C., finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight after the Democratic Party’s presidential and vice-presidential nominees die in a plane crash. The party leaders, seeing the election as a lost cause, select Gilliam hoping to sway minority voters for future elections. They believe he is a likable but ultimately unwinnable candidate.

The Campaign Takes Shape

Initially, Gilliam follows the prescribed path, delivering bland speeches and struggling to gain traction. However, with the encouragement of his brother Mitch, he begins to speak his mind and address real issues facing everyday Americans. His campaign gains momentum as he challenges the status quo and connects with voters through honesty and humor.

Facing Opposition

As Gilliam’s popularity rises, the established political forces attempt to undermine his campaign. He faces attack ads and the revelation that he was initially chosen to lose. Despite these challenges, Gilliam perseveres, driven by a genuine desire to serve the people and enact positive change.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mays Gilliam (Chris Rock): A Washington D.C. alderman who is unexpectedly chosen as a presidential candidate and challenges the political establishment with his honest and unconventional approach.
• Mitch Gilliam (Bernie Mac): Mays’ older brother and bail bondsman, who becomes his running mate and provides grounded advice and support throughout the campaign.
• Brian Lewis (Nick Searcy): The incumbent Republican vice president and presidential candidate who represents the traditional political establishment and becomes Mays’ opponent.
• Debra Lassiter (Lynn Whitfield): A political strategist initially tasked with ensuring Mays’ defeat, but who eventually becomes a supporter of his genuine approach.
• Martin Geller (Dylan Baker): Mays’ campaign manager who initially sees him as a pawn but later becomes a genuine supporter of his presidential bid.
• Lisa Clark (Tamala Jones): A gas station attendant who believes in Mays’ vision and becomes his romantic interest and future First Lady.
• Kim (Robin Givens): Mays’s ex-girlfriend who dumped him but tries to win him back after he becomes a presidential candidate.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Brian Lewis: “God bless America. And no place else.” – This line epitomizes the isolationist and somewhat arrogant stance of the opposing candidate.
• Mays Gilliam: “Security!” – This became a running gag as Mays hilariously calls security in various situations.
• Mitch Gilliam: “When you get to the White House, you gonna put a bar in the Oval Office.” – Mitch jokingly remarks about his vision for the White House, highlighting his down-to-earth personality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35.2M
• Domestic Gross: $38.1M
• Worldwide Gross: $38.6M

💥 Head of State Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie when it first came out and thinking it was hilarious! Chris Rock is just so naturally funny. I loved the scene where he starts playing rap music at the fancy fundraiser; it perfectly captures the culture clash that the movie is going for. It definitely has some dated jokes, but the overall message about being true to yourself still resonates.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Chris Rock’s stand-up comedy”
  • “Viewers interested in political satires”
  • “Those looking for lighthearted comedies with a message”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Some political references that may be sensitive”

Professional Reviews

• Screen Rant: “Head of State delivers some laughs with Chris Rock’s signature wit, but the political satire feels underdeveloped. While Rock and Mac shine, the film struggles to balance humor with genuine social commentary. It is entertaining enough, but a missed opportunity for a sharper, more insightful take on American politics.
• The Guardian: “A light-hearted comedy starring Chris Rock, Head of State is an enjoyable movie that is not too thought provoking. However, the comedy mixed with the political agenda and narrative, makes for a pretty great movie.
• IMDb: “Chris Rock’s ‘Head of State’ had the potential to be more than just another comedy but it falls short of being a great movie. The plot felt rushed with the characters also being underdeveloped.

Audience Reactions

Bernie Mac stole the show with his hilarious performance as Mitch.: The film is a funny take on a political view with Chris Rock and Bernie Mac having good comedic moments.

Chris Rock shines as a comedic writer, director and performer.: The movie is considered to be a hidden gem.

Overall Consensus: Head of State is a politically themed movie from Chris Rock that provides laughs and entertainment.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Chris Rock made his directorial debut with ‘Head of State’, also co-writing and starring in the film.”
• “The opening credits list many famous politicians, followed by ‘(Are not in this movie)’.”
• “Adam Sandler provided a scream that was used after Mays Gilliam says, ‘Security!’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Head of State?

Head of State is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast options. You can also find DVD and Blu-ray copies online from retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Head of State, you might like these similar films:

• Dave (1993): Features an ordinary man unexpectedly thrust into the role of President due to his resemblance to the real one.
• The Distinguished Gentleman (1992): Eddie Murphy plays a con man who gets elected to Congress, similar to Mays’ unexpected rise.
• Bulworth (1998): A political satire where a disillusioned senator starts speaking his mind with brutal honesty.

🛒 Head of State Related Products

• Head of State [Blu-ray]: Own Head of State in high definition Blu-ray format, allowing you to experience every humorous moment with great clarity. This edition features bonus content with behind-the-scenes information, deleted scenes, and more, perfect for any fan of the movie.
• Chris Rock: Bigger & Blacker [DVD]: Relive Chris Rock’s earlier works with his Bigger & Blacker stand-up DVD. Packed with uncensored jokes and social commentary, it gives you a raw look at Rock’s comedic genius, influencing many elements of Head of State.
• Bernie Mac: The Original Kings of Comedy [DVD]: Watch Bernie Mac in The Original Kings of Comedy, showcasing his stand-up comedy style. His appearance in Head of State enhances the film’s dynamic, so this DVD lets you appreciate his talent.
• Chris Rock – Never Scared [Vinyl]: Relive Chris Rock’s classic stand-up with the ‘Never Scared’ vinyl record. Experience his comedic brilliance in analog sound, making it a special and rare collectible.

🎧 Soundtrack

Head of State features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Head of State Theme” – performed by N/A
• “What They Think of You” – performed by Nate Dogg

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Chris Rock slaps a nigga for being uptight

OMG, you HAVE to see this hilarious Chris Rock scene! It’s a super short clip of him slapping someone for being uptight, and it’s honestly comedy gold. I laugh every time!

R.I.P Nate Dogg – singing the Intro to the movie Head of State

Did you know Nate Dogg sang the intro to Head of State?! This rare behind-the-scenes clip shows him doing just that. It’s a short but sweet tribute and totally worth a watch if you’re a fan!

Head of State “Hot in Here”

Remember that crazy dance scene to ‘Hot in Here’ in Head of State? It’s hilarious! Check out this clip – it’s a guaranteed laugh and will have you dancing along in no time.

✨ Rate