You Don't Mess With the Zohan (PG-13)
Lots of lewd Sandler stuff, but also some laughs.
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- 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
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
Is it any good?
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.
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