Lately it seems as though we have more dividing us than we have uniting us. In these chaotic times its a comfort to know that there is a hero who can give us something to believe in, something to bond over, and best of all something to run our fingers through. 2008's comedy You Don't Mess with the Zohan follows an elite counter terrorism agent as he leaves the conflicts of the Middle East behind to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a hair stylist. Along the way he learns vital lessons in life and love and realizes that with the right look and the right attitude you can overcome even a centuries old international conflict.
The story begins with the Mossad's greatest agent, Zohan, trying to enjoy a well earned vacation. Fate intervenes, however, when his superiors call him back to intelligence headquarters and enlist his help in stopping his arch enemy, the notorious terrorist known as the Phantom. Despite his renowned success as an intelligence agent, Zohan longs for a life in which he can create rather than destroy, and bring people joy and connection rather than retribution and division. In short, he longs to become a hair stylist. He then defies both his parents and his superiors when he fakes his own death during an encounter with the Phantom and stows away on a flight to New York City. He then reinvents himself as a successful hair stylist specializing in 'happy ending' haircuts for his elderly female clientele. Just when he thinks that he has finally escaped from the conflicts of his homeland, however, his budding romance with a Palestinian-American salon owner and a chance encounter with the Phantom place the future of his new life and that of the free world in jeopardy.
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| It's not just a hairstyle; it's an experience |
This offbeat tale utilizes Adam Sandler's signature humor in a satire that manages to raise vital questions about prejudice and politics without missing a single comedic beat. The film originally utilizes a humorous approach to the the sensitive topic of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. While this tactic easily could have veered into bad taste or heavy handedness the cast and script gently use comedy to aptly highlight the absurdity of the prejudices fueling these conflicts. The film may not offer the complex solutions that have been sought for generations, but it does offer something vital; hope. Through its irreverent tale of enemies learning to put their politics aside and see each other as people the film asks how much better we, and in turn the world we live in, would be if we could all try to do the same. For an optimistic antidote to the current political climate hop into the stylist's chair and have a laugh with You Don't Mess With the Zohan.
The film's wonderfully whimsical story comes to vibrant life thanks to the work of its cast. John Turturro and Rob Schneider are delightfully diabolical as Zohan's adversaries the Phantom and Salim. Nick Swardson and Lainie Kazan make for an endearing comedic duo as the quirky mother and son who host Zohan in New York. Ido Mosseri lends a riotous turn as Zohan's best friend and fellow Mossad agent, Oori. Emmanuelle Chriqui infuses her role as Zohan's boss and love interest, Dalia, with warmth and infectious charm. Even in the midst of the film's talented cast, Adam Sandler dominates every frame in his by turns outrageous, suave, action-packed, and heartfelt performance as the incomparable Zohan.
This laugh out loud comedy relays timeless messages in tolerance that could not be more timely. The film's outrageous script mixes political satire with slapstick to create a crowd pleasing comedy. The film's cast bring the script to life in all of its whimsy with an enthusiasm that is guaranteed to leave viewers smiling after the credits roll. For guaranteed feel good viewing remember, You Don't Mess With the Zohan.
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| It truly is a beautiful life |
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