Adam Sandler (The Wedding Singer,50 First Dates) is an Israeli counter-terrorist and he is the best at what he does. But poor Zohan isn't happy with his job. He catches the same terrorists every week, only to have them traded back again the following week. His dream to be a world famous hairdresser.

So after faking his own death, he stows away on a plane to the united states where he intends on working for one of the world's best hairdressers but he gets turned away. Eventually he reluctantly agrees to work in a hair salon on the Palestinian side of the road - but all he can get away with is cleaning up the hair until one day he get's his big shot.

All is going well until he falls in love with his boss, the redevelopment company try to destroy the neighbourhood and his arch nemesis comes to take him out once and for all.

Adam Sandler is his usual silly self but puts on a silly accent for the whole film. Whether it is a convincing Israeli accent - I wouldn't know though. This film had its funny moments, it's rude moments and it's close to the mark on some issues. I wouldn't be too surprised if a few minorities were offended at times.

However, in other ways the way it deals with some complicated issues rather independently is good. Granted it takes the mick a lot, but out of all races, faiths and groups equally. It also has a strong "if we can live in peace here, why can't we live in peace in the middle east", which is possibly an over-simplification of the issues but is a strong theme of the film.

I liked the film but probably wouldn't buy it. If you liked Little Nicky then this will probably be right up your street.

see also:
Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, Bruce Almighty, Dinner for Shmucks, Land of the Lost

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photo © Columbia Pictures.