Don’t Mess With The Rohan!
After Rohan’s recent obsession with Mamma Mia, I thought I’d try and bring some class to cinema-going. Five words: Don’t Mess With The Zohan
Now to be perfectly honest I am not a big fan of Adam Sandler as an actor or comedian, though I feel he really stretches himself in this movie and should be applauded. The comedy encompasses everything from simple slapstick to cultural confusion and amusing wordplay. By far my favourite line in the movie transpires after Zohan (Adam Sandler) comes to the defense of Michael (Nick Swardson) after a heated confrontation in the street, thus demonstrating Zohan’s spectacular abilities.
Michael: What are you? Bionic?
Zohan: No, I only like the ladies.
There are hilarious moments and gags throughout. A hilarious, if cringeworthy demonstration involving a piranha; a fascinating array of new uses for hummus; and Zohan’s hairdressing salon table manner is truly something to behold, and something that brings considerable business. It is much more sexually suggestive than I anticipated. At the beginning of the movie, especially, the relationship between Zohan and Michael’s mother (Lainie Kazan) is heartily exploited as Michael struggles to stomach the idea, and, indeed, his dinner.
What really gives this film legs, though, are the themes behind it. The cultural tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. The idea of America as the land of opportunity, as an opportunity to start again, to finally pursue your deepest and most secret of desires. It is a beautiful presumption that all militants and terrorists secretly harbour desires to cut and style hair, and sell shoes.
Dalia (Emmanuelle Chriqui) does well to remain a sincere point of drama among the comedy and gags. But the most inspired performance of the film was also the most unlikely. Apparently the Middle East are big advocates of Mariah Carey, and she appears in the film as an amusing parody of herself. It is quite a departure from her ill-fated movie/album combo, ‘Glitter.’
I would highly recommend this movie, though it is obviously not for children. The film blends important messages of peace and ambition with great comedy and heart, but without becoming overly contrived. I imagine different audiences will enjoy it on different levels, but few shall be disappointed. The supporting cast are superb.
Finally, since we are trying to educate Rohan from The Fillet Skillet after his decision to see Mamma Mia, I offer this from David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz.
MARGARET: It [Mamma Mia] was awful. The design of the costumes was awful
DAVID: Were wonderful.
MARGARET: I mean and I actually found a lot of it cringe-making.
DAVID: Really?
MARGARET: Yeah, and I sort of thought, why did they get the director, Phyllida Lloyd, of the stage to do the film, because I think it’s a very clodhopperish affair, this one?
DAVID: There’s plenty of precedence for that, though.
MARGARET: I know. Well, why not get a film director?
DAVID: I think she did…
MARGARET: And a designer and a choreographer. I mean, and get someone to sing for Pierce Brosnan and…
Yes! I mean its one thing to give Pierce Brosnan a gun and a martini, but let him sing? And ABBA tunes no less? I am with Margaret on this one all the way.
Of course I haven’t even seen the film. My misgivings are more leveled at the band itself. One day ABBA will finally be brought to accountability and charged for crimes against humanity. Then [The Battle of] Waterloo will look like a walk in the park. Ha!
I’m actually with Margaret on this one too(!) I agree with everything she said, but I still kind of liked it. We laughed at the really corny bits though, so maybe we enjoyed the film for different reasons than what the director had in mind?
It doesn’t surprise me that the director is a stage director. As I was watching I was thinking “this scene would work on stage, but it looks twee on film”. But it was still fun. I still liked it overall.
And I still like ABBA. Never take my ABBA =P
Rohans last blog post..Mamma Mia
I had a really good time with this one, maybe left part of my brain at the door.
Gregs last blog post..New T-Shirt ‘Quaka! Quaka’
I can’t wait until the film is released here. I’ve seen the stage play three times and have the cast album. I think I’ll get tickets again when I pass through Vegas. I love it.
I can’t imagine it being bad.
Steves last blog post..The Doctor is in…