You Don't Mess With the Zohan (PG-13)

Lots of lewd Sandler stuff, but also some laughs.

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Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the movie? Review it
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Movie details
  • Studio: Columbia Pictures Entertainment
  • Directed By: Dennis Dugan
  • Cast: Adam Sandler, John Turturro, Emmanuelle Chiriqui
  • Running Time: 113 minutes
  • Release Date: 6/5/2008
  • Video/DVD Release Date: 10/7/2008
  • Genre: Comedy
  • MPAA Rating: PG-13
  • MPAA Explanation: crude and sexual content throughout, language and nudity.

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a classic Adam Sandler movie: Crude, impolitic, and riddled with sexual jokes, swearing, and offhand nudity (including a couple of shots of Sandler's bare butt). For exactly those reasons, it's very likely to attract his usual fan base, many of whom are teens. The film pokes fun at everything and everyone -- the elderly, political assassins, homosexuals, cabdrivers, racists, hairdressers, women with breast implants -- and often teeters on the line between funny and downright insulting. But, believe it or not, it's all in the name of the heartwarming (if cliched) message that love -- and, for that matter, personal goals -- triumphs over war and politics.

Families can talk about Sandler's brand of crude humor. Clearly, the film is using exaggeration for comic effect, but do they cross the line? If so, when, and who defines what "the line" is in the first place? Do you think Sandler needs to rely on stereotypes to arrive at his message about transcending differences in the name of happiness? Does the crude humor take away from the movie or help it succeed? Who is the film's intended audience?

Message

Social Behavior:

Zohan is a killer by trade, and he's pretty good at it. He shows no compunction about hurting other people (though he does profess later to being tired of it). He also lies to family and friends about his whereabouts and to his new American acquaintances about his identity. No group is spared from the movie's mockery, including the elderly, homosexuals, racists, and more. Despite this, the movie actually promotes a message of peace and understanding among warring nations. And there's even a secondary message of love crossing barriers.

Consumerism:

Signage everywhere, from Zohan's favorite fizzy soda to Phantom's fast food restaurants. Also, clear logos/signs for movers, stores, malls, and the venerable Paul Mitchell hair salon.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Some social drinking, primarily at beach parties Zohan hosts in the beginning of the movie.

Violence

Lots, but it's quite cartoonish and generally played for laughs. For example, Zohan can jump from rooftops and land on enemies without getting hurt, he gets shot at without getting hit because he stops bullets with his bare hands, and he can successfully battle loads of gun-equipped assassins. Other characters brandish weapons and missiles, and there's a fair amount of kicking and tossing people around. In one scene, someone cuts off Zohan's hand, which he then uses to kill his tormentor.

Sex

Plentiful, and plenty crass. The film begins with lots of cleavage (and has plenty more throughout), punctuated immediately by a close-up of Sandler's naked backside (which viewers see again later). Incessant sexual jokes, suggestions of Zohan bedding all sorts of women as part of the "hairdressing experience." Sex scenes include some group activities. Lots of lewd references to body parts, sexual activity, etc. A woman's naked backside is visible in one scene in which intercourse is implied. Zohan gives his clients "happy endings."

Language

Language includes "goddamn," "s--t," "jackass," "screw," and more.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by S. Jhoanna Robledo

In YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN, Adam Sandler takes on Arab-Jewish relations -- for real -- by playing Zohan, an Israeli super spy who's tired of the usual assassin-foiling that his job entails. ("Super spy" actually barely covers it: He can somersault off buildings, stop bullets in their tracks, and bed women -- all at the same time.) Instead of wielding machine guns, he'd rather brandish scissors and become the world's best hairstylist. A battle with his nemesis, Phantom Muchentuchen (an amusing John Turturro), gives him an opening and he bolts, leaving everyone back home thinking he's dead. A new world awaits in New York City, but Zohan's no superstar here. The high-end salons all think he's a joke, so his only option is to apprentice at a Palestinian store -- which gives Zohan pause. But nothing will stop him from making his dream come true; he sets politics aside and becomes a runaway success. But eventually his cover is blown -- plus, a real estate developer is threatening to close the salon. How will Zohan prevail?

Is it any good?

3
That Sandler's brand of crass humor -- aided and abetted by Judd Apatow, who co-wrote the script -- could be paired with issues like world politics and gentrification is improbable, but at some level, it works.

Yes, the first half of the movie is cringe-worthy, with leaden jokes and sodden, distasteful stereotypes. The hummus punchlines, the crotch-thrusting, and the references to Zohan's enormous "package" get old quick. But some quips, particularly later in the movie, are so brazen that you have to laugh. (Retirees being serviced by an over-coiffed Zohan, who always gives his customers "happy endings"? Priceless.) By the time Phantom and Zohan face off again, you'll have been beaten into submission. And you'll be laughing.

Related Video

Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 44 reviews.

3


Posted on 07/26/08 by weeone23 Kid contributor, age 12

funny

i luaghed. not tht great tho but it was entertaining.
1


Posted on 07/23/08 by hicksbuilt Kid contributor, age 14
0

Posted on 07/12/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 12

I left

not apropriate!!!
4


Posted on 06/30/08 by vampireprince97 Kid contributor, age 10
2


Posted on 06/29/08 by monkeyonatable Kid contributor, age 15

What is with movies today...

If I had five words to explain this movie, they would be, sex, sex, and more sex. If I compared this movie to another, it would be, the Love Guru. I say that, because it is not that funny, and there is too much sex for my carring. I just think that HollyWood is starting to scrape the bottom of the barrel for movies (or so it seems). I have seen a ton of R rated movies (mostly war films) and they are not as bad as this. Take for example the fact that he "dose" every customer that's hair he cuts. Don't see this, its just bad (both in the way of moral values, and its just not a good movie)
0


Posted on 06/28/08 by dweedvenom Kid contributor, age 14

horrible

This movie is not appropriate for anyone under 21 years. i went and saw this with my parents and both of us were disgusted with the profanity and sex displayed in this movie. as an adam sandler fan i am very disappointed and do not ever want to go to another one of his movies again.
0


Posted on 06/28/08 by mountaingem Adult contributor
4


Posted on 06/28/08 by HeatherGW Adult contributor
1


Posted on 06/27/08 by bjg Adult contributor

should have walked out

10 minutes into the movie, a couple with two children left. My husband and I should have. It was lewd, cheap sexual connations that were disgusting, very poor social and moral content for anyone to view.
5


Posted on 06/26/08 by Zero Gravity Kid contributor, age 11

Funny stuff

this movie is hilarious just if it had a bit less reference to sex. otherwise it awesome

See all 44 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 21 reviews.

0


Posted on 06/28/08 by mountaingem Adult contributor
4


Posted on 06/28/08 by HeatherGW Adult contributor
1


Posted on 06/27/08 by bjg Adult contributor

should have walked out

10 minutes into the movie, a couple with two children left. My husband and I should have. It was lewd, cheap sexual connations that were disgusting, very poor social and moral content for anyone to view.
0

Posted on 06/23/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

I had to leave!

I took two 14 year olds to this movie and was humiliated. I had to leave the movie! How in the world anyone thought that a 13 year old should have been able to sit in on this one needs a temperature check. Not good humor for any youth trying to grow up with morals.
0


Posted on 06/22/08 by QED Adult contributor

DO NOT SEE THIS MOVIE

VULGAR AND DISGUSTING. TOOK MY FAMILY TO SEE THIS MOVIE. SOME COUPLES LEFT VERY EARLY (HAVE NOT SEEN THAT HAPPEN IN A VERY LONG TIME).SHOULD HAVE DONE SAME.I AM NOT A PRUDE BUT THIS MOVIE IS SO CRASS AND BASE IT IS NOT EVEN FUNNY.VERY EMBARASSING TO WATCH WITH MY KIDS.HOW THIS MOVIE IS PG-13 WE WILL NEVER KNOW.
2

Posted on 06/20/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Big Bulge

Classic Adam Sandler. Very funny movie, but I felt a little dirty after watching it. It is very risque and I would suggest not seeing it with your kids - they probably don't need to see sex treated so carelessly.
2


Posted on 06/18/08 by aaargh Adult contributor

Walked out

Took family and teens. Should have reviewed first. Walked out halfway.
4


Posted on 06/15/08 by lolbarbiediva Adult contributor
1

Posted on 06/15/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Shocked it wasn't an R!

I took my 13 yr old to see this. Although funny in parts, there was way more sexual stuff than I expected with this movie. I just saw Semi-Pro, which is an R, and Zohan is easily as crude. I wish I had seen it first. I will be more careful with PG 13s in the future.
0


Posted on 06/14/08 by Born2Bgood Adult contributor

Couldn't stay

This was one of if not the filthiest PG-13 movie I've ever seen. There were multiple nude scenes but you were bombarded throughout by gratuitous sexual inuendo that really went even farther than inuendo. It left very little to the imagination and Adam Sandler couldn't keep his hands off of his fake manhood. I like Adam Sandler but this was just trashy and should have been rated R.
See all 21 adult reviews>

Kids Reviews

There are 23 reviews.

3


Posted on 07/26/08 by weeone23 Kid contributor, age 12

funny

i luaghed. not tht great tho but it was entertaining.
1


Posted on 07/23/08 by hicksbuilt Kid contributor, age 14
0

Posted on 07/12/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 12

I left

not apropriate!!!
4


Posted on 06/30/08 by vampireprince97 Kid contributor, age 10
2


Posted on 06/29/08 by monkeyonatable Kid contributor, age 15

What is with movies today...

If I had five words to explain this movie, they would be, sex, sex, and more sex. If I compared this movie to another, it would be, the Love Guru. I say that, because it is not that funny, and there is too much sex for my carring. I just think that HollyWood is starting to scrape the bottom of the barrel for movies (or so it seems). I have seen a ton of R rated movies (mostly war films) and they are not as bad as this. Take for example the fact that he "dose" every customer that's hair he cuts. Don't see this, its just bad (both in the way of moral values, and its just not a good movie)
0


Posted on 06/28/08 by dweedvenom Kid contributor, age 14

horrible

This movie is not appropriate for anyone under 21 years. i went and saw this with my parents and both of us were disgusted with the profanity and sex displayed in this movie. as an adam sandler fan i am very disappointed and do not ever want to go to another one of his movies again.
5


Posted on 06/26/08 by Zero Gravity Kid contributor, age 11

Funny stuff

this movie is hilarious just if it had a bit less reference to sex. otherwise it awesome
3

Posted on 06/24/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 15

This movie was funny, yes, it was crude, but it wasn't anything my friends (we're all girls) don't talk about, come on, why is sex so taboo? I mean, no, I would take an 8 year old to see this, but this is not something people should be embarrassed to see with a 15 year old, they probably already have plenty of sexual experience. Parents are so afraid for their kids to grow up, it's like parents think that by not taking them to a movie like this will stop them from growing up, stop them from having a sex drive, it's just crazy.
1


Posted on 06/23/08 by coco Kid contributor, age 11

i lost more than six brain cells

i think this movie was stupid. there was so mucjh sexual behaveoir, that was though to be funny but was in accually not i am 13 years of age and i did not find any of this movie funny i found it digusting. the boys in my grade my have loved it but i for one did not. i would not recommed wasting money on this poorily exaucuted movie
0


Posted on 06/20/08 by Zim448 Kid contributor, age 11

UGH!

Terrible. The most crude and filthy movie I've ever seen! (And i've seen a couple R movies!) Left halfway, and i wish I had left a quater through it. Zohan has sex with his clients. Claims his bush is a cushion, and much much much much much more!
See all 23 kids reviews >
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