Directed by: Larry Charles Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Ken Davitian, Luenell, Pamela Anderson Rated: R (for adult language, male nudity, crude humor) Running time: 85 minutes Best suited for: pie-in-the-face fans Least suited for: highbrow social parodists Acorn Rating Guide:For the merry prankster: 3½ acornsFor the socially astute, the parody lover: 1 acorn How does one attempt to define a film like "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan"? (Memorize that title--you won't hear it again from me.) It's a bit like trying to dissect the emotional confusion of slipping on a banana peel.

But here goes. Picture yourself watching a gentleman in a tuxedo who's become aware of a clown on a unicycle, holding a whipped-cream pie, approaching at a high rate of speed. (This shtick isn't in the movie, by the way, which is why you're picturing it here.) The gentleman's brow furrows as the clown weaves closer, the pie raised with nefarious intent.

As the viewer, you're already assured of the outcome. The comedic value is in knowing what the poor tuxedoed gentleman does not.

If you're the type of person to laugh hysterically as the befuddled gentleman wipes goo from his face, you'll thoroughly enjoy "Borat." If you just don't get it, shake your head in bewilderment and tut-tut the absurdity of what has transpired, then "Borat" isn't going to work for you.

For the record, I laughed. But then I wondered why. Then I laughed again, and wondered why again. A heavy burden, this critiquing films business. I think I need a shrink.

I do suspect that "Borat" will make a bundle. And while the film's advance buzz indicates a moderate hit, I can't help but think that "Borat" could have been much better. Take that, clown.

British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen provides himself with a halting Slavic accent and assails America from his homeland of Kazakhstan. The journalist travels here to shoot a documentary about American values and morals, of which he apparently knows little.

He eventually encounters New York feminists, polite Southern society, rodeo rednecks, drunk frat brothers and a firedup Pentecostal congregation--none of whom are quite sure how to react to Borat's seemingly earnest, often embarrassing persona. Borat wants to know what makes Americans tick. As if we Americans know.

"Borat" does produce some moderately funny footage of typical folk caught in the surreal hell of a "Candid Camera"-type situation. He loves to kiss men, sometimes on the mouth, and gauge their reactions to this cultural "difference." And he upsets women, pretty much without exception.

There are really two movies at play here-the potentially embarrassing reality show is only one of them. Between Sacha Cohen's prankish footage of people's reactions, he remains in character, trying to sketch out Borat as a credible stranger in a strange land. Since the audience is already in on the joke, these intermittent segues tend to fall flat. We're here for embarrassing situations after all, not Borat arguing with his Kazakh producer (Ken Davitian) or pining for his newfound infatuation--Pamela Anderson.

And while "Borat" could have been a brilliant commentary on America's hypocritical tendencies, on our double standards and moral ineptitude, the filmmakers apparently had a tough time finding such pretense. (One could assume this to be a good thing.)

So for much of the film, "Borat" is content gauging our reaction to juvenile, prankish behavior. Expect crude sexual references and a good deal of potty humor. There's more caustic social parody in a single episode of "South Park" than in the entirety of this film. As a social commentary the film pretty much misses its mark.

And another concern: How much of "Borat's" reality footage is, indeed, staged? I suspect more than what's apparent. But I'm digging for gold in a cornfield. Perhaps I should be content to simply enjoy lunch.

My advice? If you're a sucker for the pie-in-the-face routine, you'll appreciate "Borat." You should be thoroughly entertained. If you're looking for clever social commentary, you won't find much. "Borat's" humor is in the eye of the beholder.