Chris Rock’s directing debut kicks off with a shallow start in his new movie “Head of State.”

It’s clear to see that Rock still has not made a movie that matches his reputation. Rock has put together a movie that is lacking in content and humor.

“Head of State” is on the same playing field as his earlier flops like “Pootie Tang” and “Osmosis Jones,” where Rock played major roles.

“Head of State” is a story about Alderman Mays Gilliam, who stumbles on the chance to run for U.S. president, after the original candidate died in a mysterious head-on plane crash with the other candidate.

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Gilliam is set up by the leader of his party to fail in his attempt at office. He is needed only to run for office to show that their party is pro-minority, leaving the door open for victory for their party in the next elections.

Chris Rock is not a talented actor, he is a talented stand-up comedian. This is blatantly obvious in this movie as the only time Rock makes you laugh is when he starts making speeches to the public that sound like his stand-up comedy routine.

The movie is slow and boring in the beginning and is only saved by Bernie Mac’s appearance as Mitch Gilliam, Mays’ older brother. Mac is definitely the better actor in this movie as his show-stealing presence made the movie viewable.

Rock’s difficulty showing believable expressions and making gestures only hindered the movie, making each scene where he’s not cracking a joke, a joke.

There are a few worse things in this movie than Rock’s acting. The first is most of the transition scenes are just a pseudo-music video that takes away from the story, making it feel like a cheaply done Master P album cover.

Rock also should have stayed away from the decision to use flashbacks. The movie is as predictable as they come. The best scenes already are ruined by the trailer, and there is little plot to follow. But still, those flashbacks are there only to make the slow moving film seemingly last longer.

And, last but not least, “Head of State” did not explore a new way to make fun of white people. I will be one of the first to admit that making fun of white people is, and has been, hilarious. But when the joke continuously is themed around old white people meeting the hip-hop world, it becomes redundant.

Chris Rock is a prime example of talent being used outside of its particular medium. Sometimes a stand-up comedian just won’t make a good on-screen actor.