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Israelis and Palestinians are at the competition, sends Skinheads to vandalize the neighborhood and incited violence between the two ethnic groups.

The Phantom comes to take part in the competition and to destroy The Zohan, but, when violence is reported in the neighborhood, both return to help quell the violence. Together, they put out a fire in a Palestinian store and discover they can work together. They also discover that The Zohan's love interest, Dalia, is also The Phantom's sister. Together, The Phantom and The Zohan destroy the Skinheads, save the neighborhood and discover that even Palestinians and Israelis can live together in peace. In the end, The Zohan and Dalia hook up, open a new, bigger hair shop and receive the blessing of the Zohan's parents.

It would be easy to simply watch this movie, laugh at all the innuendo, ethnic references, and silliness, but that would be missing the point. The movie is actually trying to convey the message that war, violence and hate are the real silliness. No matter whom we are, what we believe, or where we are from, we have to learn to get along and it can be done. Even in a country as diverse as the United States of America, we do a good job of getting along. Oh, it's never perfect, but experts thought this nation would implode in on itself 200 years ago, and, yet, here we are. Also, when we think about different people, immigration, and fear, all of us or our families were, at one time, different people who immigrated here and learned about fear.

I'm going out on a limb here, but I like this movie. I give it an "A". Sure, some people will not see the message I see and to many it will be just another, silly movie like so many others, but I like the message. I especially like the message of unity in this, an election year. As for the movie, I love the way Adam Sandler creates so many "cameo" appearances in his movies and gives work to some who have not worked in years like Henry Winkler, Charlotte Rae, and Shelley Berman. It's fun to say, "Hey, that's John McEnroe" and watch Sandler's movie poke fun at even him. Sandler even gives Mariah Carey a semi-starring role in a subplot, and, considering her movie history, that almost qualifies him for sainthood. Yes, there is a message to this movie, and it runs deep if you take the time to look.

Title: You don't mess with the Zohan

Director: Dennis Dugan

Genre: Comedy, Run Time: One Hour, 53 minutes, Rating: PG-13

Cast: Adam Sandler as Zohan, John Turturro as The Phantom, Rob Schneider as Salim and Emmanulle Chriqui as Dalia. Also look for cameos, (in addition to the ones mentioned above) from Chris Rock, Kevin Nealon, Kevin James, George Takei, Bruce Villanch, Henry Winkler and others.

Learn more about this author, Stan Dyer.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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