Dear Dictator (2014 film)

Dear Dictator is a 2018 American teen comedy film written and directed by Lisa Addario and Joe Syracuse. The film stars Odeya Rush, Michael Caine, Katie Holmes, Seth Green, and Jason Biggs.

The plot revolves around Tatiana (Odeya Rush), a high school student who begins a pen pal relationship with General Anton Vincent (Michael Caine), a notorious dictator of a Caribbean island nation. When Vincent is overthrown in a coup, he flees to the United States and seeks refuge with Tatiana and her single mother, Darlene (Katie Holmes), leading to comedic and occasionally problematic situations.

The film received largely negative reviews, with critics citing its tone-deaf handling of sensitive political themes, weak writing, and generally unfunny humor. The film’s premise was considered insensitive given real-world issues related to dictatorships and political instability. While some appreciated Caine's performance, it was generally deemed insufficient to redeem the film. Dear Dictator was released in theaters and on video-on-demand platforms in March 2018.