The Hebrew Hammer (2003)

An orthodox Jewish blaxploitation hero saves Hanukkah from the clutches of Santa Claus' evil son.

Director:

Jonathan Kesselman

Writer:

Jonathan Kesselman

Stars:

Adam Goldberg, Andy Dick, Judy Greer

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Adam Goldberg	...	Mordechai Jefferson Carver
Judy Greer	...	Esther Bloomenbergensteinenthal
Andy Dick	...	Damian Claus
Mario Van Peebles	...	Mohammed Ali Paula Abdul Rahim
Peter Coyote	...	JJL Chief Bloomenbergensteinenthal
Nora Dunn	...	Mrs. Carver
Sean Whalen	...	Tiny Tim
Tony Cox	...	Jamal
Richard Riehle	...	Santa
Melvin Van Peebles	...	Sweetback
Rachel Dratch	...	Tikva
Harrison Chad	...	Schlomo
Jim Petersmith	...	Skinhead Bartender
Annie McEnroe	...	Mrs. Highsmith
Grant Rosenmeyer	...	Young Mordechai

Storyline

Mordechai Jefferson Carver, aka the Hebrew Hammer, is an orthodox Jewish stud who goes on a mission to save Hanukkah. When Santa Claus's evil son Damian is pushed over the edge by his father's liberal policies, he does away with the Christian patriarch. Subsequently stepping into his father's role, Damian launches a campaign to eradicate the Jewish Holiday. The Hammer joins forces with Esther Bloomenbergensteinenthal, the gorgeous and dangerous daughter of the leader of the Jewish Justice League; and his brother-in-arms Mohammed Ali Paula Abdul Rahim, the head of the Kwanzaa Liberation Front, to topple Santa's evil progeny and to save Hanukkah for future generations of Jews.

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Plot Keywords:

jewish | hanukkah | kwanzaa | blaxploitation | santa claus | 

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Taglines:

If you're in trouble...and you're a Jew...and it's not past Sundown on Friday...you should call "The Hebrew Hammer!"

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, some sexual references and drug use

Details

Official Sites:

official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hebrew Yiddish

Release Date:

25 March 2004 (Australia)

Also Known As:

Hammer o exolothreftis

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$19,539, 21 December 2003, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$19,539, 21 December 2003

Company Credits

Production Co:

Intrinsic Value Films, Comedy Central Films, ContentFilm

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min 87 min (Buenos Aires Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Steven Spielburg is suggested as a candidate to take on the new Santa, Chief Bloomenbergensteinenthal responds "He made E.T.! How tough is that?'. Peter Coyote, who plays Chief Bloomenbergensteinenthal, was in E.T.

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Goofs

When Mordechai and Mohammed are climbing up the wall surrounding Santa's workshop, Mohammed's pendant can clearly be seen hanging "down" towards the side of the screen when he lets go of the rope

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Quotes

Mordechai Jefferson Carver: Hey, you don't wanna pick up this penny?
Mohammed Ali Paula Abdul Rahim: Nooooooooo!

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Crazy Credits

Uncle Bernie, Aunt Shelly and all the Long Island Kesselmans - Thanks for letting us eat by you on Shabbat

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Connections

References The Chosen (1981)

User Reviews

Jewsploitation at its best (and only)!

Though it's been compared to Mel Brooks' films, the humour in the Hebrew Hammer is much broader and exploits far more stereotypes than Mel Brooks ever managed to. Some people doubtless consider this a bad thing, but in the grand tradition of politically incorrect comedy, the movie is funny regardless.

Intentionally reminiscent of the Blaxploitation films of the seventies, the Hebrew Hammer is full of modern references as well as classic Jewish humour. The script is fast-paced and clever, and has some brilliant one-liners. Watch out for the bagels.

Although certainly not a film for the easily-offended, those capable of looking at Jewish stereotypes and laughing at them will enjoy this movie very much. The sheer camp, though not something I usually like, works very well with this particular script and format. Don't pass it up just because it looks bad--it's supposed to look bad. That's half the point.