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Thoughts on "You Don't Mess With The Zohan" . . .

Posted by 2 Dollar Productions Monday, June 23, 2008

Worth Full-Price, Matinee or Rental: Matinee or rental. If you're starved for comedy, then you could justify a matinee of 'Zohan,' however, it will lose nothing by waiting until it transitions to DVD.

Will I Own It On DVD: No. At this point, I don't own any Adam Sandler movies on DVD.


1) The summer movie crop has been fairly unappealing so far, which has caused a multi-week absence from the theater that ended when the 100 degree weather in Austin pushed me to see "You Don't Mess With The Zohan" this past weekend. I went in with low expectations, and wasn't disappointed as the film had solid laughs and its overall good-natured approach also helped make it a worthwhile experience.

2) As a general rule, I don't like Adam Sandler movies that much. I don't loathe his material, but I am also not rolling in the aisles when he talks in a little boy voice or morphs into pure rage. I liked "Happy Gilmore" and "The Wedding Singer" and never saw "Little Nicky" or "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" because they looked so horrible. I would place 'Zohan' closer to the top of Sandler's work.


3) Sandler must have been working out as he spends a decent amount of the movie shirtless or in sleeveless attire. Personally, I would have preferred to see more of his love interest - Emmanuell Chriqui - baring the same amount in the name of equality, but I think the ratio was heavily tipped in Sandler's favor. Chriqui plays a salon owner who eventually falls for Sandler despite hearing him pleasure at least 40 geriatric women in her place of business. She has a fine attitude, which obviously includes not sweating the small things like STDs.


4) There are lot of cameos in the movie with everyone from Chris Rock to Mariah Carey to Dave Matthews showing up during the running time. Matthews was the best of the bunch as his turn as a redneck leader trying to incite a Israeli-Palenstenian fight was pretty funny and he also got to sport a fine mustache in the process.

5) Since Judd Apatow co-wrote 'Zohan,' it's about 15 - 20 minutes too long as the story of an ex-Israeli soldier who comes to New York City to become a hairdresser just doesn't justify more than 90 minutes.

-BDS

13 comments

  1. Heff Says:
  2. Sandler HAS had his share of "stinkers", but I'll probably check this one out.....on DISH.

     
  3. Jenny Says:
  4. I still think the scene from Happy Gilmore when Bob Barker beats the crap out of Adam Sandler is one of my all time favorites. Like you, I passed on the most recent Adam S movies and worried this one never should have been made too... so I'll put it on my "only if I need A/C" list (and I actually have this list.) GET SMART is at the top of it.

    And.. Peace Out to George Carlin. NOW that was a funny guy.

     
  5. Heff - Smart move. That's probably the best place for it & you'll respect yourself in the morning.

    Anonymous Boxer - You're damn right about Carlin. I saw that this morning at the gym and it's just plain sad. I saw him in Vegas a few years back, and he was great. As for Sandler, that scene with Bob Barker is hilarious. I like your concept of an A/C movie list - that's smart & I might have to use it.

     
  6. JLee Says:
  7. I might check this out just for kicks. I think there's a pun in there somewhere...

     
  8. Jenny Says:
  9. I'm sad to say that seeing George Carlin live was one of those things I always said I was going to do - how cool that you were able to do so..... I saw him interviewed by Tim Russert last year (super sad!) and he was so intelligent and brilliant and funny. *sigh*

     
  10. Miss Ash Says:
  11. I've seen the commerical for this...no thanks!

     
  12. Jlee - I hope so . . . I love all puns. Just keep your expectations in check & don't pay too much & maybe it will work out. Ha.

    Anonymous Boxer - That's really, really sad now. Mondays are depressing enough, and it stinks to lose good people in bunches - no fun at all. Great description of Carlin too.

    Miss Ash - At least you saw the trailers as I know that is sometimes difficult for you. Ha. Don't worry - you're not missing that much.

     
  13. nobich Says:
  14. I thought the trailers looked funny on this movie well at least for "Stupid Movie Sunday"

     
  15. Linda Says:
  16. This one does look funny, just can't bring myself to shell out theater $$$ I'll definately rent it. I like Dave Matthews'acting, especially on House. Thanks for the review.

     
  17. Nobich - It would be perfect for SMS. Perfect. Ha.

    Linda - It will probably fit nicely on DVD like "Semi-Pro" or something similar. I liked that in 'Zohan' nearly all the characters are good-natured, which is something that I think Apatow does well with his characters.

     
  18. Karen Says:
  19. I'm trying to imagine a reasonably buff Adam Sandler and sadly my imagination is just not that vivid. I must admit I've never heard of Emmanuell Chriqui but the fact that Mariah Carey is in it no matter how briefly is reason enough NOT to go see this movie.

    Great review B.

     
  20. Thanks as Carey generally irritates me as well, but she is playing herself in this one, so even she can pull that one off. Ha.

     
  21. SymplyAmused Says:
  22. I don't watch many of his movies either, although, I did like 50 First Dates. Mainly because I liked the starring actress as well, Drew Barrymore. Daughter and I are going to see the new Narnia movie tomorrow. My day to have fun!! Enjoy your's as well.

     

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