I never really was a big fan of Chris Rock during his stint on Saturday Night Live. Sure, Nat X was a hilarious character, but for the most part, Rock never really seemed to be that memorable on the show. It wasn't until I saw his stand up stuff that I realized how smart and talented this guy could be. Head of State is the first picture he's made that gives us a little bit of his stand up edge. Unfortunately, a little isn't nearly enough.

In Head of State, Rock plays an Alderman who finds himself an unlikely candidate for President of the United States after an unfortunate accident (one of the film's more unfunny gags) takes the life of one of the other candidates. Rock is put in the running as a replacement candidate to lose so that another politician might rise to power. However, the plan suddenly backfires when Rock's out-spoken and candid campaigning speeches strikes a popular chord with the voters.

The first half hour of Head of State is positively dull (save for an mildly amusing opening credit sequence), but following Rock's first big speech, things do pick up a bit. Still, most of this picture just kind of feels thrown together.

Head of State was co-written and directed by Rock, and while many of the speeches are on target, the film itself is extremely clumsy in terms of execution. This movie doesn't have much of a flow and Rocks unsure acting doesn't help matters. Again, he only really seems to come alive during his political speeches which, for the most part, are bits he's done in his stand up work. Bernie Mac is a scream as Rock's brother and running mate, but he clocks in about ten minutes of screen time. In fact, his stuff seemed tacked-on. I wouldn't be surprised if the entire movie had been shot, then Rock hired Mac for re-shoots so they could punch up the energy of the picture.

There are several subplots the film could have done without--including a dumb bit involving Rock's ex-girlfriend (played by an annoyingly over-the-top Robin Givens). The blossoming romance that takes place between Rock and a new flame also feels awkward and out of place.

Not surprisingly, most of the political characters are drawn as complete idiots. Rock's Republican competitor is a man whose motto is "God bless America and no place else." If that weren't bad enough, the guy refuses to square off in a debate with Rock, presumably because he hasn't the smarts.

Head of State lacks the comic depth of Dave, the intellect of The American President or the candor of Barbershop, but it does offer up some laughs. Some pretty big ones I might add. I don't know if there are enough for a full recommendation, but certainly this movie would make a great DVD rental.

Nurse Betty and Dogma are my two favorite comical Rock performances in a movie (check out his surprisingly strong dramatic turn in New Jack City) , but I would rank Head of State next in line. This is definitely above his work in Down to Earth, Lethal Weapon 4 and Bad Company. Still, he has yet to completely find his footing in feature films. Maybe he should take a cue from fellow comedian Eddie Griffin (check out the hilarious Dysfunktional Family) and do a stand up comedy film. That's where he really excels.