I have to admit, I like Adam Sandler's films. I also have to admit that his last few were so so at best.
So when we let the boy decide what movie to see, I was sure he'd pick The Hulk, but he went with Zohan, and I was going into it rather disappointed. I was all for The Hulk. I got Zohan.
I'm happy it worked out that way. It was very funny, had a good pace to it, and it also had a common sense message to it.
Adam Sandler plays Zohan, a one man counterterrorist expert. He is the best at it, and is also tired of all the fighting and violence. He wants to stop, and become a hairdresser for Mr Paul Mitchell.
So he fakes his own death, and gives up his life of finding terrorists (who his country just ends up trading back), disco dancing, and nonstop women.
He goes to New Your, and is laughed out of every hair salon he visits. He has no training, and his "bible" is a Paul Mitchell style book from the 70's.
He ends up getting his foot into the door of a Palestinian run shop, run by the beautiful Emmanuelle Chriqui. She starts him out letting him just sweep the floor, and circumstances allow him to show his real talents.
It was very entertaining, with a bunch of laugh out loud moments. Adam Sandler was really good. He strayed from his usual meek character, went back to his more bold character, but not as over the top as say a Happy Gilmore. He was quietly confident, and was good in the role.
John Turtorro played The Phantom, a terrorist, and his sworn enemy. I generally like him in films, but I wasn't all that impressed with him. I don't think that the character was written all that well, and he didn't do much to make it better.
Emmanuelle Chriqui played Dalia, his love interest...eventually. She did a nice job, and was stunningly gorgeous.
Then there was the usual list of Happy Madison's gang.
Rob Schneider played a cab driver slighted by Zohan in his previous lifestyle. I like him in a role where he isn't carrying a film, and he was solid in the movie.
Nick Swardson was also in it, and I think that they wasted him. He wasn't that funny, and his character was blah.
Kevin Nealon had a bit part, and sucked as always. I can't stand him, don't find him funny at all, but he still finds work.
Charlotte Rae makes an appearance from Facts of Life fame, and it was good to see her, and she was funny.
Dina Doran plays Nick Swardson's mom, she was in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and she was a home run. So funny, and she also shows her ass, which is great, because it was funnier than hell.
I'm not saying that its an incredibly good movie. I'm not saying the story was perfect. And since I live in the sticks, I don't have a bunch of contact with the Arab community, so I'm sure I miss some of the stereotypes.
But you'll laugh. If you don't like Adam Sandler movies, don't bother going. But I do, so I like it.
I'll give it an 8 out of 10 snips. It was loose in a few spots, and that seemed like filler, but it made me laugh, and want to buy it when it comes out. And it has a nice message to it, but it doesn't beat you over the head with it. So if you're on the fence, I reccomend waiting to rent it.
