“Head of State” is a comedy starring Chris Rock and Bernie Mac. In this movie, Rock satirizes political injustices and problems in America.

Unfortunately Rock’s traditionally sly and witty humor, as seen on the Chris Rock Show, does not make many appearances in the movie, which is Rock’s directorial debut. He also had a hand in writing and producing the movie.

When the party candidate for president dies just weeks before the election, party heads focus on Mays Gilliam (Rock), a heroic alderman from Washington, D.C., as their next candidate. Gilliam’s minority status as a black man is a focus in the movie.

An early theme is Gilliam’s desire to make changes instead of working ineffectively within the existing political system.

Gilliam’s inability to go with the political crowd creates money and girlfriend problems early on in the movie. Gilliam discovers he is locked out of his alderman office for his radical ideas and dumped by his girlfriend (Robin Givens), because he is not going anywhere in politics.

After becoming the presidential nominee, Gilliam finds himself with a new wardrobe and an ex-girlfriend who stalks him.

Gilliam also finds a new love interest that is independent of his run for office. The love story between Gilliam and a gas station attendant (Tamala Jones) is poorly written and barely developed.

When picked to be the presidential candidate, Gilliam is whirling in the fast pace race. He does what he is told by his campaign manager Martin Geller (Dylan Baker) and adviser (Debra Lassiter).

With the help of his brother Mitch (Bernie Mac), Gilliam remembers to run his own race and not the race others have planned for him. More than anything, Gilliam wants to help the working class.

Mitch is a violence-prone, politically ignorant character. While an interesting comparison between his bail-bondsman self and politicians is made, the character is flat.

Themes such as too much talk by politicians and not enough action, and catering to the upper class could be great points in the movie. However, they seem to get lost in juvenile humor.

The movie could be great with the plot and actors it has. However, Rock’s inability to use clever humor over traditional one-liners and black versus white humor makes it a see-it-on-tv movie, not a see-it-in-theatres must.