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4 out of 10
'Adam Sandler' and 'politics' would be high on the list of things you would probably never see in the same sentence. But in a switch of tone from the sombre 9/11 inspired Reign Over Me, Sandler returns to more familiar comedic territory with his take on the Middle Eastern crisis in You Don't Mess With The Zohan.
Disillusioned with his country's on-going battle with the Palestinians, renowned Israeli counter terrorist The Zohan (Sandler) fakes his own death in order to pursue his dream as a hair stylist. However, once in New York the only job he can find is in a Palestinian salon owned by the beautiful Dalia (Chriqui). When Zohan steps forward to stave off the threat of a local property developer he puts his own life at risk by revealing himself to his former adversary, The Phantom (Turturro).
The film's opening exchanges between Zohan and the Phantom are extremely enjoyable, director Dennis Dugan (I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry) infusing the action with some Jim Abrahams inspired lunacy: piranhas in pants, bullet catching teeth and wall-smashing wackiness. Sandler's Zohan is very much Israel's militant Fonz; everybody loves him and no one wants to mess with him. However, when the action moves to New York Sandler's likeability transfers but the film doesn't. Away goes Zohan's laid-back assassin and in comes a camp sex pest intent on making everyone silky smooth. The film becomes awash with more thrusting than a porn film and more violated women than a backstreet gynaecologist. Even Sandler regular, Rob Schneider struggles to generate laughs as Palestinian taxi driver. The jokes are few and far between, and those that do surface are either old-fashioned stereotypes or just a bit too random for most tastes. This is quite surprising given that Sandler and Hollywood's current comedic hotshot, Judd Apatow, wrote the film.
The film suffers further with its weak story. Walbridge's attempts to take over the neighbourhood feels very much like an after thought; a reason for Zohan to kick butt Stateside. Zohan's relationship with Dalia feels forced, while the bonding between the Israelis and the Palestinians is too Disney. But director Dugan goes one further by having Mariah Carey in a cameo role. If The Benchwarmers wasn't enough reason not to employ this man again, then surely this is.
Though Sandler is just as likeable as in previous outings, even he cannot save Zohan from cinematic assassination. Director Dugan struggles to get the best from the comic talent on show while the remainder of the plot leaves a lot to be desired.
Movie Website: www.youdontmesswiththezohan.com
Cast List:
Zohan Dvir: Adam Sandler
The Phantom: John Turturro
Dalia: Emmanuelle Chriqui
Salim: Rob Schneider
Walbridge: Michael Buffer
Tracklist:
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