The Zohan

Recently, I found some time to go to the drive-in movie theatre again, and I was able to catch Adam Sandler's new movie, You Don't Mess with the Zohan. I've heard some mixed reviews about it, but I think that overall, it was pretty good. He comes up with some very creative movie ideas--original too.

What really striked me with this movie, as with his last movie as well, is that, now that he is gaining status and popularity, his movies are taking on more controversial topics but putting a comic spin on them. For example, with I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, he chose a very controversial topic right now: homosexuality and gay marriage. That might not be someone's first choice for doing a movie because they want to draw a large audience. However, because of who he is, he can draw a large crowd to see this, and he pokes fun at how silly it is for everyone to be so anti-gay. He makes a taboo topic hilarious while making fun of the opposing side. It's genius.

Now with You Don't Mess with the Zohan, Sandler takes on two more controversial topics: Middle Easterners and jobs that males obtain that appear "girly" or feminine. Two of the hottest, most controversial topics right now (politics aside) are homosexuality and our new racism against Middle Easterners after 9/11. The US has this racist switch that occurs over generatins, and Adam Sandler has now made fun of the fact that many Americans think that all Middle Easterners are terrorists. He chooses a character that many Americans hold grudges towards and makes it funny. He also plays on the idea of men who want female jobs (being a hair dresser or selling shoes) and showing that all men who have these jobs are not necessarily gay (a common stereotype). Everyone wants to do their passion for one reason or another. People don't AlWAYS fall into those stereotypes, especially when it comes to race.

So, what I'm really trying to say is, Adam Sandler has been making excellent movie choices because he scrutinizes controversial topics in an unconscious effort to laugh at them. He makes our homophobia or racism and makes them seem ridiculous. The way he does it is so clever and well-written--I commend him for his recent efforts. Well-noted and hilarious.

And by the way, Zohan had some amazing cameos: Robert Smigel, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Dave Matthews, Kevin Nealon, Mariah Carey, and John McEnroe.

Sandler can play such diverse roles too. He even does an amazing job at playing serious roles and funny roles. Jim Carrey does an excellent job at that too. Now that's when you can tell a great actor.

So what did you think of The Zohan? What about the way he addresses these controversial topics?