Review: You Don’t Mess with the Zohan

From Israeli commando to New York hairstylist, Adam Sandler’s latest creation is a bastion of raunchy comedy, with plenty of not so subtle political ideology. Flanked by his trusty sidekick Rob Schneider, Sandler unleashes his one of a kind and over the top comedy that hits the mark on many occasions but unfortunately, also misses rather magnificently as well.

The theory that Adam Sandler movies are all the same rings true in You Don’t Mess with the Zohan. This intellectually unstimulating yet exceptionally humorous movie incorporates many Middle Eastern parodies that manage to be roaringly funny, yet tactful enough as not to be insulting on a level that only Borat can achieve. Even though some comedic spots may be misunderstood by those not aware of the customs of Israeli culture and some spots are even down right inaccurate, they are stereotypical enough that even non-Middle Easterners can appreciate the humor.

One highlight worth mentioning is Zohan’s weird tendency to use Hummus in almost every aspect of daily life. Zohan not only eats the delicious spread, he also uses it as hair gel with a funny nonchalance as if anybody who didn’t do the same is awkward. Rob Schneider also gives us his usual good work and the supporting cast of Arabs and Israelis do a bang up job. (No pun intended.)

As spectacular as Zohan is at times, it tends to fall on its face rather dramatically. The problems start with Zohan’s accent. It’s shocking that Sandler didn’t realize he wasn’t speaking with an Israeli accent. In fact, his accent sounds more like a cross-breed between French and some sort of Slavic language.

Zohan’s groin is also prominently on display far too often during the film. (With just once being too much.) Unlike American Pie, which employed its brand of risque comedy with strategic ingenuity, You Don’t Mess with the Zohan uses dirty material without thought or purpose. While this provides a nice dose of humor, it tends to dry up fast and gives the impression of tasteless content that was rammed in to the film for reasons of quantity rather than quality.

Adam Sandler has earned another notch on his belt with You Don’t Mess With Zohan, yet this is far from his best work; whether you judge his work on camera or behind the scenes. Zohan, for all its flaws, is a lot of fun. Just don’t expect too much.

Ozzy Neav
De Novo Magazine

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