Watch National Lampoon's Ratko: The Dictator's Son

National Lampoon's Ratko: The Dictator's Son from 2009 is a comedy film that follows the story of Ratko Volvic, the youngest son of a brutal dictator, who is sent to America to study democracy and Western values with the hope that he will return to his home country and implement these values to improve the lives of the people. The movie begins with Ratko arriving in the United States and being assigned to live with a typical American family, the Thompsons. As he struggles to adjust to the American way of life, he faces various challenges, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and getting along with his American housemates.

Along the way, Ratko develops a close bond with the Thompson's daughter, Holly. As their friendship blossoms, Ratko begins to see the world through Holly's eyes, and he starts to question his father's policies and way of life.

Ratko's newfound views create tension between him and his family, especially his father, who sees him as a traitor. Meanwhile, the espionage group, the N.I.P. (National Intelligence Posse), has been monitoring Ratko's every move, hoping to capture him and use him to their advantage.

As Ratko struggles to reconcile his feelings with his loyalty to his family, he is forced to make some tough decisions that will affect not only his own life but also the lives of those around him.

One of the highlights of the movie is the excellent cast, led by Efren Ramirez who plays the role of Ratko with aplomb, moving seamlessly from comedy to drama as his character grows and changes. Katrina Bowden also gives a fantastic performance as the naive yet loveable Holly, who helps Ratko open his eyes to the possibilities of a better life.

Jeffrey Ballard plays the role of Thomas, the Thompson's eldest son, who initially dislikes Ratko's presence in their home. However, as the two boys bond over their common interests, Thomas becomes one of Ratko's closest allies and supports him through his difficult journey.

The film is directed by Savage Steve Holland, who is known for his work on a string of successful comedies, including Better Off Dead and One Crazy Summer. Holland's trademark humor and lighthearted approach to storytelling add to the film's charm and make it an enjoyable watch for all ages.

In terms of the screenplay, the film is filled with witty one-liners and satire that poke fun at both American and Western culture, as well as the absurdity of dictatorship. The writing also touches on more serious themes, such as political unrest, power struggles, and the importance of democracy and freedom.

Overall, National Lampoon's Ratko: The Dictator's Son is a fun and entertaining movie that provides a fresh take on the "fish-out-of-water" trope. The film's endearing characters, clever writing, and engaging storyline make it a must-see for fans of comedies and political satire alike.

National Lampoon's Ratko: The Dictator's Son is a 2009 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.7.