Zohan Dvir (Adam Sandler) is silky, smooth and supposedly dead. Zohan, an Israeli counter-terrorism army commando has had enough of his life. Though he is the Israeli army’s best weapon, he has grown weary of fighting Palestinian terrorists. Tired of his post-draft’s standing service, he fakes his own death to pursue his dream: to become a hairstylist in New York. Armed with a new 80s look and an identity that matches a disco ball, Zohan arrives at the Big Apple only to be turned down by salon after salon. He lacks the experience for the job, but has enough perseverance to last him another lifetime. He is finally given a chance by Dalia (Emmanuelle Chriqui), a Palestinian salon owner. However, Zohan finds out how hard it is to put the past behind him. Enemies begin to reappear when he is recognized by Salim (Rob Schneider), a Palestinian New York City cab driver. Zohan gets into even more trouble as he has to face an old nemesis, The Phantom (John Turturro), and the infamous Walbridge (Michael Buffer) who wants to get rid of Israelis in the city. Zohan must clear his way out of this mess, and make sure everyone knows that you just don’t mess with the Zohan.
You Don’t Mess with the Zohan was directed by Dennis Dugan, with the story being written by Adam Sandler, Judd Apatow, and Robert Smigel. It was produced by Sandler’s company, Happy Madison, and was distributed by Columbia Pictures. The script was first written in 2000, but was put on hold after the events of the 9/11 tragedy. The movie was met with mixed reviews, due to its themes involving Israel-Arab conflicts in the Middle East. Though it features enough laughs, it received average comments, as its plot is not particularly strong. On its opening weekend, it grossed 38 million dollars, being noted for the classic Apatow-Sandler humor it brought.


-Maria Gonzalez, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
(Image courtesy of Columbia Pictures)