Search - The Hebrew Hammer on DVD

You're a hora!

A. Gyurisin | Wet, Wild, Wonderful Virginia | 12/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let me be absolutely clear, this movie is HYS-TER-IC-AL! In a world where the same three holiday movies are played over, and over, and over again in a complex form of brainwashing by our local networks, it was a pure delight to see something fresh, funny, and outstandingly original in the holiday film circuit. Director Jonathan Kesselman has done his homework with this project. By homework I mean watching "cult" classics like Hot Shots! and Airplane! while using a similar structure to develop his own unique blend of humor and satire. While watching this you will be surprised at how little you see coming. That is due to the fresh feel of this film. We have not seen many films like it lately, it on all levels it worked. It left me wanting more, oh so much more.



You can only credit the director for so much, it takes the talent from in front of the camera to really pull a film together. The feeling that actors have when doing a project definitely comes through the screen and onto the audience. Take Stepford Wives for example. You could tell that Kidman had no excitement on doing this project, and it consequently was horrible. I was never interested in Kidman's character because if she didn't care, why should I bother. This was not the case with The Hebrew Hammer. Goldberg was having a blast playing this zany yet kind character that cares more about his faith than anyone in the entire world. His eyes told the story, and allowed us to really follow this "leader" blindly into uncharted territory. I am an enormous fan of Andy Dick, not only does he carry my name, but he also bring to the screen his one style of comedy. He is notorious for being who he is, and while others may find him annoying, I only see him as comic genius a la Robin Williams. He is destined to be one of the greats and if he keeps with these films he will surely do well. The rest of the cast is superb, they really transport you into this world unlike our own. They really do define themselves and take this film to a new level. Adam Goldberg and Andy Dick are the staples of this film, while the rest assist in holding the film together.



I would also like to take this time to say that I watched this film with my Jewish friends, and they thought it was hysterical as well. I have trouble seeing where offense could be taken from this film. This was a humorous story about the uneducated nature of our culture towards the Hanukkah holiday. It comes at a time when consumerism is up and family values are at an all time low. This was no Oscar film, but it did bring to the spotlight a holiday and culture that is normally left on the doorstep. I applaud Kesselman's hard work and excitement behind this picture. This could have easily been something that fell through the cracks, but instead it will be something I show to friends time and time again.



Overall, I was extremely impressed with this film. The quality of the story, the witty and knowledgeable humor made me laugh as well as use my mind (which is a plus), and the honesty behind the characters was something other films should use more often. There was just a sense of fun with this picture, and it blasted through my television with the greatest of ease. This is our new Holiday film in our house. I am skipping the "classics" and creating new ones of my own. How impressive this film was!



Grade: ***** out of *****"

Takes up where Mel Brooks leaves off...

J. Kelley | Mid-Atlantic coast | 09/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ok, this is even more extreme than Uncle Mel ever intended to be.



If you do not like satirical humour, directed at *everyone*, DO NOT buy or view this movie.



If you loved Monty Python's "Life of Brian", "Meaning of Life", or Mel Brooks triumphs such as the "The Inquisition" and "Springtime for Hitler" musical numbers, and other such wonderful potshots at people who take themselves WAY too seriously, then this is a movie for you.



I am very very happy that this is finally being released, just in time for some celebratory viewing during Hanukkah."

Just What the Reviewer Above Said!

JEFFREY M. SIEGEL | Springfield, MA | 09/03/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Tasteless in the tradition of Monty Python and Mel Brooks, a logical companion to "Bad Santa", this is one seriously funny film. If you are easily offended, just pass on this one. If you can stand everyone -- and I do mean everyone -- being mocked and insulted, then you are in for a side-splitting time."

A Blast!

Pretty Prep | MD | 04/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Well-done, Kesselman. Anyone who's familiar with the Jewish (and African-American) cultures can appreciate the humor in this film. I loved Adam Goldberg in this movie, he does so much for it, great casting. I am sorry I didn't know about this movie when it first came out!



If you want some good humor, and feel like taking a break from a hectic day, watch this!

"