The Hebrew Hammer
A holiday movie that is most definitely not for kids. Adam Goldberg stars as Mordechai Jefferson Carver, also known as the Hebrew Hammer, a private detective who has an overbearing mother (Nora Dunn) and a propensity to whine when things get difficult. He is hired by Bloomenbergensteinthal (Peter Coyote), chief of the Jewish Justice League, to prevent Damian Claus (Andy Dick) from killing Hanukkah. The Semitic Stallion seeks out help in the form of the Kwanzaa Liberation Front, headed by Mohammed Ali (Mario Van Peebles in a great afro), while also falling for the JJL chief's daughter, Esther (Judy Greer). Damian, who has his father brutally murdered by reindeer, Santa (Richard Riehle), is supported by his right-hand man, low-grade hood Tiny Tim (Sean Whalen). It's hard to tell which side Jamal is on--but this foul-mouthed decadent elf is played by Tony Cox, who handles a similar role in the later BAD SANTA. The ultimate battle between good and evil awaits in this riotous Jewxploitation film that never met a stereotype or offensive joke it didn't like. Writer-director Jonathan Kesselman's debut feature film pays homage to SHAFT, SWEET SWEETBACK'S BAADASSSS SONG, and other blaxploitation favorites, filled with shootouts, curses, and sex, so leave the children at home. But don't look away for a second or you'll miss another groan-inducing hysterical joke or funny cameo. And the theme song, a takeoff on Isaac Hayes's theme from SHAFT, is a classic.
Member Reviews
Makes being jewish sound cool but, a one note wonder - Blob
Oy Vey, so what, you want I should review this movie for you now. It was an OK watch, although it was a bit of a one joke movie. A jewish Shaft. That said, there was enough of a silly storyline to keep one going even when the humour gets sparse. Now go call your mother.Funnier than I expected - LunaSkya
I didn't expect much of this movie: the previews seemed a bit heavy-handed and self-conscious. But when I finally rented the movie, I loved it! It makes fun of countless Jewish and Black stereotypes (and a few Christian ones as well) and treats religion with hilarious and somewhat touching disrespect.Goldberg Nails It With Hebrew Hammer - Goffin
I’ll admit my review title may give this movie a bit more credit than it’s truly due. However, hitting play with very low expectations, this movie surprised me with some witty dialogue and over-the-top characters that overcome a fairly light plot.
Adam Goldberg is the Hebrew Hammer, a “certified circumcised dick” who has been recruited to save Chanukah after a North Pole coupe put Santa’s son, Damian Claus, in charge. Damian (Andy Dick) believes on Christmas should be celebrated, and is out to destroy Chanukah.
The Hebrew Hammer is a jewploitation film – think Shaft with matzo. The film takes advantage of every Jewish stereotype, usually to hilarious effect. Damian’s efforts to turn Jewish kids onto Christmas, complete with “The Pusher” soundtrack, are well done. The movie does flounder a bit with some juvenile scenes. Anytime a movie includes a family pet wearing a diaper, and adds Nora Dunn, you know there’s trouble.
Goldberg (Saving Private Ryan, Dazed and Confused and a really funny guest spot on Friend’s as Chandler’s insane roommate) is an actor who deserves to be in more movies. Andy Dick as Damian is true Andy Dick – I was not sure how much of the insanity was acting or just letting the camera roll.
Member Reviews
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Makes being jewish sound cool but, a one note wonder - Blob
Oy Vey, so what, you want I should review this movie for you now. It was an OK watch, although it was a bit of a one joke movie. A jewish Shaft. That said, there was enough of a silly storyline to keep one going even when the humour gets sparse. Now go call ...Funnier than I expected - LunaSkya
I didn't expect much of this movie: the previews seemed a bit heavy-handed and self-conscious. But when I finally rented the movie, I loved it! It makes fun of countless Jewish and Black stereotypes (and a few Christian ones as well) and treats religion with ...Goldberg Nails It With Hebrew Hammer - Goffin
I’ll admit my review title may give this movie a bit more credit than it’s truly due. However, hitting play with very low expectations, this movie surprised me with some witty dialogue and over-the-top characters that overcome a fairly light plot.
Adam ...