Borat Sagdiyev, Kazakhstan’s sixth most famous reporter, travels with his producer and a camera crew to the United States to learn what it truly means to be an American. That is all I will tell you about the story. Simply, to tell you more not only gives away comic moments but is completely unnecessary.

Yet how can I tell you about this movie? The only way to discuss it while still protecting the story line is to talk about the lead, Sacha Baron Cohen – aka Borat and other alter egos Ali G and Bruno. I was not a fan of Ali G, so going into this movie, I was perfectly prepared to not be amused.

What a pleasant surprise. I have heard many a critic compare Cohen to the great Peter Sellers. Both are comic geniuses, both use a comedy all their own, both completely commit to the characters they are playing, not wavering from them for a moment. Physically, emotionally and vocally, Cohen becomes Borat.

And this is where the strength of the movie lies. In every interview, in every segment, Cohen is 100 percent Borat – method acting at its most extreme.

Even when he becomes inebriated, he maintains the same characteristics that make the film so entertaining.

I still, after four days, cannot decide if I found the movie pleasing. Really, I can’t. So much of the humor comes from absolute shock in Borat’s behavior. Though very childlike in his curiosity, it’s still amazing that he pushes the limits so far past human decency. Should we condone this movie? I don’t know the answer.

On one hand you must applaud Cohen for such a meticulous and thought-out character, perfectly portrayed and executed. Yet how original is traversing America, finding someone to unintentionally make a racist or homophobic comment when he thinks the cameras aren’t watching?

It’s been done before, maybe not to this extreme, but nonetheless, it’s hardly a groundbreaking piece of work.

Treading similar ground to “Family Guy” and “South Park,” much of the comic appeal comes from “Did he really just say that?” moments.

But who am I to say what you should write off as comic genius? You have to see the film for yourself to decide. I will say this is not my personal style of comedy.

I enjoy drier, wittier humor, such as the likes of “Frasier” and “As Good As It Gets.” This makes me a stuck-up prude, I know, but I’ve come to enjoy this aspect of myself. At least I don’t live in denial.

I do recommend seeing the movie. Many of you will find it a wonderful diversion from life. But please, don’t spend the next three months tormenting me by constantly quoting the movie; nothing kills the comedy more than over-exposure. “Napoleon Dynamite,” anyone?

Ellis J. Wells is a senior in performing arts from Portishead, England