"The Hebrew Hammer", is all about Goldberg as the certified circumcised private dick title character, a Jewish combination of Shaft, Superfly, and Mike Hammer, who sets about to defeat an evil Santa Claus who has sworn to put an end to Hanukkah. A campy, silly, an occasionally outrageous slam fest, this flick takes potshots at Jews, Afro-Ams, and white gentiles as our not-so-super-hero goes after Santa armed only with a babe, big guns, and guilt trips. What the film lacks in class and production value it almost makes up for with nonstop kosher comedy of the same ilk at Scary Movie, Naked Gun, Airplane, etc. Only for those into wacky slampoons who aren't concerned with political correctness. (B-)
57 Reviews
Well Executed comedy.
shumiluvr26 February 2005
This movie reminded me of "UnderCover Brother". Sure, this movie was rather tasteless and obviously a low budget film. It was very funny. I myself am Jewish and was able to laugh and relate to this movie. I do not know if you would enjoy it if you were of another religion, but I still recommend this movie. There were many hidden references and of course some basic Yiddish humor packaged in. It easily could have been a modern Mel Brooks movie, and if you enjoy his humor i recommend this film. Although some jokes became repetitive, and were overdone, there are many MANY funny jokes that I could laugh about.
This is one of those movies you should see multiple times. I guarantee you will catch more jokes and references making each viewing funny. So overall it was a cheap lo budget comedy. But a Funny cheap low budget comedy. A rare find indeed.
This is one of those movies you should see multiple times. I guarantee you will catch more jokes and references making each viewing funny. So overall it was a cheap lo budget comedy. But a Funny cheap low budget comedy. A rare find indeed.
Not Terrible, But Not Great
kensmark8 December 2003
The concept is good, the performances are good, but this film is too uneven to be great. Writer/director Jonathan Kesselman should've watched the much better blaxploitation parody "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka!" a few times and thought harder about *why* it's a good parody. Even then, that film, too, could have been improved.
When you do satire, you get the best results when you stick pretty closely to your target. The funniest moments in "The Hebrew Hammer" are those in which it really mirrors blaxploitation films. When it degenerates into really broad parody, lame social commentary, and random jokes about Jewish stereotypes, it goes downhill quickly.
That's too bad, because the principle cast really does do an excellent job. The villains are weaker than the heroes -- conceptually and by performance -- but I can't really blame the actors (much as I might be tempted to blame Andy Dick) because the villains are *too* over-the-top just as they're written.
Satire works as comedy because it keeps moving back and forth over the line of plausibility -- or, at least, the line of genre convention. "The Hebrew Hammer" has many good moments but, in the end, it strays too far, too often. There's about thirty minutes of really good material in there.
When you do satire, you get the best results when you stick pretty closely to your target. The funniest moments in "The Hebrew Hammer" are those in which it really mirrors blaxploitation films. When it degenerates into really broad parody, lame social commentary, and random jokes about Jewish stereotypes, it goes downhill quickly.
That's too bad, because the principle cast really does do an excellent job. The villains are weaker than the heroes -- conceptually and by performance -- but I can't really blame the actors (much as I might be tempted to blame Andy Dick) because the villains are *too* over-the-top just as they're written.
Satire works as comedy because it keeps moving back and forth over the line of plausibility -- or, at least, the line of genre convention. "The Hebrew Hammer" has many good moments but, in the end, it strays too far, too often. There's about thirty minutes of really good material in there.
Jokes wore thin very quickly
RicardoTheWonk5 February 2005
I picked up this movie because it caught my eye as movie with a Jewish comedy focus - something I had not seen before.
I approached this film with an open mind, and was interested in the way it began. The opening is well put together, and the first half of the film gave me many reasons to laugh, and this is good.
However, the humor soon became repetitive, the plot became confused and strained, and I realized I was no longer enjoying the film. I have tried to avoid saying this, but the movie became rather "cheap" - not a bad thing for a comedy if the humor holds up, but it didn't. I confess that I may have missed some of the humour, not being Jewish myself, and having little experience with Jewish culture. However, considering how heavily telegraphed the bulk of the humour was in this film, it's unlikely I missed much.
The idea is a good one, and perhaps if a little more thought was put into it the film would have been watchable all the way through. I wish I could give the movie a higher rating, but strictly speaking it would have been better as a TV series or as a series of skits. There was just not enough worthwhile fresh material for a full-length movie.
One thing to say about the casting - the lead role looked as if it had been designed with Ben Stiller in mind, but I don't think the movie would have been any more worthwhile if he had been in it.
I approached this film with an open mind, and was interested in the way it began. The opening is well put together, and the first half of the film gave me many reasons to laugh, and this is good.
However, the humor soon became repetitive, the plot became confused and strained, and I realized I was no longer enjoying the film. I have tried to avoid saying this, but the movie became rather "cheap" - not a bad thing for a comedy if the humor holds up, but it didn't. I confess that I may have missed some of the humour, not being Jewish myself, and having little experience with Jewish culture. However, considering how heavily telegraphed the bulk of the humour was in this film, it's unlikely I missed much.
The idea is a good one, and perhaps if a little more thought was put into it the film would have been watchable all the way through. I wish I could give the movie a higher rating, but strictly speaking it would have been better as a TV series or as a series of skits. There was just not enough worthwhile fresh material for a full-length movie.
One thing to say about the casting - the lead role looked as if it had been designed with Ben Stiller in mind, but I don't think the movie would have been any more worthwhile if he had been in it.
1/2 great beacause of the great gimmick, 2nd half lame because of the gimmick
perfectisolation18 December 2003
Jew or not (for purposes of getting the in-jokes), the first half is all hilarious gimmick and a great one at that. We've all wanted to see a bad-ass orthodox jew who talks jive. Why not? The concept is hilarious, and the skits they set up for a while are too because they all juztapose blaxpoitation for jewxpoitation. But there are only so many jokes to be had about stereotypes. the second half runs totally flat. They should have used less obvious jokes in the first half, saved some for the second, and written a more interesting plot through out the entire length of the film. I gave it a 7 (deserves a 5) because of the strong strong start.
BTW, what the hell is wring with so many reviewers out there? Some of the reviews of this movie are ridiculous: best holiday movie, insanely hilarious, best i have ever seen. I mean, this is the '00's... we (especially imdbers) are supposed to be much more sophisticated than people in the '60 and '70's when it comes to films. it is not any of the aforementioned claims, who are writing these things?
BTW, what the hell is wring with so many reviewers out there? Some of the reviews of this movie are ridiculous: best holiday movie, insanely hilarious, best i have ever seen. I mean, this is the '00's... we (especially imdbers) are supposed to be much more sophisticated than people in the '60 and '70's when it comes to films. it is not any of the aforementioned claims, who are writing these things?
Attention, all K-Mart shoppers, there are Jews in Aisle 12.
lastliberal18 August 2008
If I had my eyes closed at the opening, I might have though that I was hearing Isaac Hayes introducing Shaft. What I got, however, was the Jewish version of Shaft - The Hebrew Hammer.
It plays like a blaxploitation film of the seventies, but it's purpose is to slam every Jewish stereotype they can. They added a lot of Black stereotypes as well, as the Hammer joined with the Kwanzaa League to defeat the evil Santa that was trying to wipe out Hanukkah.
Adam Goldberg was good as the Hammer, and Mario Van Peebles as his Black partner. Andy Dick as Santa's son, not so much. Nora Dunn was perfect as the Hammer's mother.
It plays like a blaxploitation film of the seventies, but it's purpose is to slam every Jewish stereotype they can. They added a lot of Black stereotypes as well, as the Hammer joined with the Kwanzaa League to defeat the evil Santa that was trying to wipe out Hanukkah.
Adam Goldberg was good as the Hammer, and Mario Van Peebles as his Black partner. Andy Dick as Santa's son, not so much. Nora Dunn was perfect as the Hammer's mother.
If You Have A Heart Condition, Please Take Nitro Before Viewing This Film
drdos4312 February 2005
If you laugh, you'll have to watch it again. This movie makes Mel Brook's 'Blazing Saddles' and other productions seem like serious and refined drama. If you cannot restrain your laughter, you will miss hearing the next line and have to watch it again. It is one of the most irreverent, politically incorrect, well produced and directed film in this genre I have ever seen...definitely not for kids, but then they wouldn't understand the jokes anyway...probably ruin it for you with their persistent questions. If you are Jewish, this film will rank among the best comedies you have ever watched. If you are not Jewish, this film will rank among the second best comedies you have ever watched...so check your lineage before you rate this film
not that funny
tempestl8 December 2003
I was expecting to this to be hilarious and it was mediocre at best, the only funny character is, believe it or not Andy Dick. The timing was just horrible on most of the jokes & gags and the writing was bad, I mean I know its supposed to be like blaxploitation but it just did work. besides this whole genre has been beaten to death already, with all the austin powers movies & undercover brother, it just seems old, it also just feels like a rip off from undercover brother (which also wasn't hysterical, but a lot funnier than this). Also, for an comedy/action movie the direction was kind of bland. I don't know if this is going to be released in theaters, but it definatley is made for TV.
Jewsploitation at its best (and only)!
kill_claudio7 September 2004
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.
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.
Mel Brooks meets Hammer in this Jewsploitation movie that fails to deliver good comedy
siderite19 August 2018
The Hebrew Hammer, the toughest Jew in the hood, singlehandedly (but with the support of the entire Jewish League and some black brothers) saves Hanukkah from the new evil and racist Santa. A lot of Jewish self deprecation and cliches, some of them are really funny, but overall it all felt kind of bland. I don't know, you probably have to be Jewish to get the jokes or something. To me it all felt just really racist without being funny most of the time.
Lame and obvious, but with a few funny Shaft references
Larry-11514 December 2003
The Hebrew Hammer is a clever idea wasted, as the execution is weak. As if often the case with iconoclastic humor, it relies overly on outrage to generate laughs, which simply isn't enough. Poor-taste humor has two elements -- poor taste and humor -- and both are needed here, but the humor is pretty scarce. As a result, it is often painful to watch, all the more so because of good attempts on the part of the performers, particularly Adam Goldberg as the HH himself. The Shaft references are funny, though, but only to those who know those movies, and they certainly don't carry The Hebrew Hammer.
Another problem is that many of the jokes rely on knowledge of American Jewish culture, and many in the audience will simply not understand the jokes.
Another problem is that many of the jokes rely on knowledge of American Jewish culture, and many in the audience will simply not understand the jokes.
You're a hora!
film-critic15 December 2004
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 *****
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 *****
Hammer, Please
gavin694227 December 2012
An orthodox Jewish blaxploitation hero (Adam Goldberg) saves Hanukkah from the clutches of Santa Claus's evil son (Andy Dick).
My biggest complaint with this film is the sex jokes. I thought they carried themselves well with the racial and ethnic humor, and made a mockery of racism and stereotypes. Throwing is sexual material just seemed to cheaper it, and for that I had to dock them a star.
What I found interesting was having Peter Coyote as the head of the Jewish Justice League. With a name like Coyote, I did not think he was Jewish. Turns out I was very, very wrong. His father was a Jewish investment banker and his maternal grandfather was a rabbi. He certainly knows about the stereotypical Jewish, New York City life.
I also found my appreciation of the film changed between my first and second viewings. The first time I loved it for the racial humor. The second time, there was still that, but I had since seen "Superfly" and a few other films and better appreciated the homages that were thrown in, particularly the use of the Curtis Mayfield.
The MC Hammer and Mike Hammer jokes were good, and hopefully not over anyone's head (by 2003, did people still know who MC Hammer was?).
My biggest complaint with this film is the sex jokes. I thought they carried themselves well with the racial and ethnic humor, and made a mockery of racism and stereotypes. Throwing is sexual material just seemed to cheaper it, and for that I had to dock them a star.
What I found interesting was having Peter Coyote as the head of the Jewish Justice League. With a name like Coyote, I did not think he was Jewish. Turns out I was very, very wrong. His father was a Jewish investment banker and his maternal grandfather was a rabbi. He certainly knows about the stereotypical Jewish, New York City life.
I also found my appreciation of the film changed between my first and second viewings. The first time I loved it for the racial humor. The second time, there was still that, but I had since seen "Superfly" and a few other films and better appreciated the homages that were thrown in, particularly the use of the Curtis Mayfield.
The MC Hammer and Mike Hammer jokes were good, and hopefully not over anyone's head (by 2003, did people still know who MC Hammer was?).
The worst of Austin Powers and Steve Martin combined
lmiskg26 February 2005
This film is dreadful. It has absolutely zero laughs. Hebrew Hammer (Adam Goldberg) sets out to save Hannukah from Evil Santa (Andy Dick). Perhaps a promising enough basis for a plot, in actual fact the film does not progress beyond this premise. While there are some (far and few) nice touches and the plot is relatively coherent, it is laboured, hackneyed and ultimately, mindlessly boring. This despite the fact that Goldberg, Dick and Greer (Hammer's client/love interest) all have quite considerable screen presence. Despite being played for what might be described as whacky over-the-top gags, this film is consistently middle-class middle-of-the-road muck. DO NOT waste 85 minutes of your life on this. (note- the music was good..!)
Serious Business, This
tedg1 October 2006
I admit a weakness for these types of self-conscious parodies when done well.
For me, that means a mix of riches. First, it has to be brutal. There's no sense in toying with something stupid and at time showing sympathy for that stupidity. All the better if the targets of the thing have some sort of societal proscription.
MASH was funny (when it was) because it treated war like something completely without honor or value. Anything that Mel Brooks does fails the brutality test. He's merely juvenile, and not ashamed to shift perspectives for a giggle.
This is funny because it destroys two boundaries. The most obvious is the Jewish stereotype. Yes, it exists. Yes, like any other group, they identify themselves, quite actively bending their lives, by drifting toward those very characteristics as a matter of definition.
There's a long tradition of stage humor where Jews make fun of themselves and I assert that all these societal parodies spring from it, at least in the US.
But the other bit is ever so clever. What they've built on is a pastiche of blaxploitation movies (and a few others as well). Part of the cleverness is in revealing these things to be even dumber than we readily admit; they take us to extremes we wouldn't otherwise go. Its a bit risky, that.
So we have a triple layer here: Jews making fun of the kind of Jewishness they cling to. All of us making fun of a similar dynamic in blacks that black culture isn't mature enough to disparage. (Though half of Chris Rock's stuff comes close.) And on top of that we get some posturing, not much, but some that rigorously belittles us for being the moviewatchers we are. In recent memory the second Charlies Angels did it best, but there wasn't the delicious edge this has.
Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.
For me, that means a mix of riches. First, it has to be brutal. There's no sense in toying with something stupid and at time showing sympathy for that stupidity. All the better if the targets of the thing have some sort of societal proscription.
MASH was funny (when it was) because it treated war like something completely without honor or value. Anything that Mel Brooks does fails the brutality test. He's merely juvenile, and not ashamed to shift perspectives for a giggle.
This is funny because it destroys two boundaries. The most obvious is the Jewish stereotype. Yes, it exists. Yes, like any other group, they identify themselves, quite actively bending their lives, by drifting toward those very characteristics as a matter of definition.
There's a long tradition of stage humor where Jews make fun of themselves and I assert that all these societal parodies spring from it, at least in the US.
But the other bit is ever so clever. What they've built on is a pastiche of blaxploitation movies (and a few others as well). Part of the cleverness is in revealing these things to be even dumber than we readily admit; they take us to extremes we wouldn't otherwise go. Its a bit risky, that.
So we have a triple layer here: Jews making fun of the kind of Jewishness they cling to. All of us making fun of a similar dynamic in blacks that black culture isn't mature enough to disparage. (Though half of Chris Rock's stuff comes close.) And on top of that we get some posturing, not much, but some that rigorously belittles us for being the moviewatchers we are. In recent memory the second Charlies Angels did it best, but there wasn't the delicious edge this has.
Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.
What "Idiocracy" is to stupidity..."Hebrew Hammer" is to religion..
merklekranz21 May 2008
Great comedic concept, poking fun at religious stereotypes, and especially Jewish stereotypes, which are hilariously lampooned. This clever comedy is destined for cult status. Some of the ideas seem to have been "borrowed" from Woody Allen, and in fact the Santa Claus in "The Hebrew Hammer" is a dead ringer for Woody, which makes it even funnier. Although wildly uneven, there is enough terrific, irreverent, material to maintain interest throughout. The idea of making a Jewish superhero patterned after "blaxpoitation" movies is pure comedy genius. There is something here to offend almost everyone, so if you are at all religiously sensitive, you would be advised to steer clear. All others prepare to laugh till it hurts. - MERK
Gets a bit lame near the end, but until then it's a scream
Samiam325 August 2010
Odd as it may sound, it takes a bit of brains to enjoy the Hebrew Hammer. The movie requires its viewers to have a fairly extensive knowledge of Jewish stereotypes, which is what the film lives off of, quite effectively
Not since Mel Brook's last good movie (Men in Tights) have I sampled Jewish humour this laugh out loud. It's wild and wacky, and despite pushing into the red zone, it's not all that offencive (unless you are orthodox). My dad is an extremely tough critic, and is easily offended by red zone stuff, but I got him to watch part of this, and he laughed.
The plot is deliberately cheesy. It concerns a pimping agent of a Jewish Justice League, who goes by the name of 'Hammer', and he takes on the mission to stop Santa Claus Jr. from destroying Chanukah (which he is unable to pronounce).
The jokes keep coming, and they never get tiring, but in the climactic twenty minutes, something goes wrong. The humour starts to disintegrate a bit (except for a funny cameo by Ed Koch) and the silliness of the plot ceases to wink at itself, It goes from satirical cliché to regular cliché (the hero must rescue his damsel in distress)
Well, no film is perfect. I suppose there is one other problem with the movie, but it's not as big a deal. I'm not realty sure who best to recommend it to. If I had to guess I would say this kind of stuff would be right for the same audience who embraces Team America. It is crude, crazy, satirical, but really funny.
Not since Mel Brook's last good movie (Men in Tights) have I sampled Jewish humour this laugh out loud. It's wild and wacky, and despite pushing into the red zone, it's not all that offencive (unless you are orthodox). My dad is an extremely tough critic, and is easily offended by red zone stuff, but I got him to watch part of this, and he laughed.
The plot is deliberately cheesy. It concerns a pimping agent of a Jewish Justice League, who goes by the name of 'Hammer', and he takes on the mission to stop Santa Claus Jr. from destroying Chanukah (which he is unable to pronounce).
The jokes keep coming, and they never get tiring, but in the climactic twenty minutes, something goes wrong. The humour starts to disintegrate a bit (except for a funny cameo by Ed Koch) and the silliness of the plot ceases to wink at itself, It goes from satirical cliché to regular cliché (the hero must rescue his damsel in distress)
Well, no film is perfect. I suppose there is one other problem with the movie, but it's not as big a deal. I'm not realty sure who best to recommend it to. If I had to guess I would say this kind of stuff would be right for the same audience who embraces Team America. It is crude, crazy, satirical, but really funny.
It's "Undercover Brother" Done Yiddish
ABU6259 December 2003
THE HEBREW HAMMER is an amusing but uneven Yiddishe version of last year's UNDERCOVER BROTHER, only instead of "The Man" being out to homogenize Black Folk, it's Santa's satanic son out to destroy Chhhhhanukah. (With an emphasis on the CHHHHHH.) Like UNDERCOVER BROTHER, the film uses 1970s blaxploitation movies as its template, but here inserts Adam Goldberg in the Eddie Griffin role, replaces Chris Kattan with Andy Dick, and substitutes Judy Greer for Aunjanue Ellis. Diminuative Tony Cox is even on hand reprising his BAD SANTA role as a foul-mouthed elf.
The humor is, predictably, based on broad enthnic and cultural stereotypes that go back 50 years as well as AIRPLANE!-like movie parodies. (Like UNDERCOVER BROTHER, HEBREW HAMMER includes an undercover ethnic organization that requires visitors to prove their authenticity by engaging in a variety of stereotypical rituals and behaviors. In HAMMER, the final test involves whining.)
The production values are nil, the story choppy, but there are moments of sick brilliance. My big question is: How many people are going to actually understand the Hebrew/Yiddish expressions and references?
This is not a film for the goyim.
The humor is, predictably, based on broad enthnic and cultural stereotypes that go back 50 years as well as AIRPLANE!-like movie parodies. (Like UNDERCOVER BROTHER, HEBREW HAMMER includes an undercover ethnic organization that requires visitors to prove their authenticity by engaging in a variety of stereotypical rituals and behaviors. In HAMMER, the final test involves whining.)
The production values are nil, the story choppy, but there are moments of sick brilliance. My big question is: How many people are going to actually understand the Hebrew/Yiddish expressions and references?
This is not a film for the goyim.
AWFUL!! F -
VeritasNYC1 November 2003
WOW. I can't believe this film was actually made. BORING, horrendous, beyond bizarre and stupid. It's offensive just because it's so bad, the acting is terrible, the plot very lame. It's a propaganda film against Christianity basically, shame on the people who made this, they wouldn't want the tables turned. Seeing how Hollywood is, I doubt the tables could be turned as a film like that wouldn't get produced these days. Very sickening, not just because of it's clear bias, but because it is such a really terrible film. PROPAGANDA, they will say its satire or for fun, but it's really as if Goebbels were writing in Hollywood against Christianity today.
Hebraic hilarity--I could watch it repeatedly
alanjj26 December 2003
I can't get over this movie. I watched it once (on Comedy Central), and despite the fact that the sides were cut off (it was not made for TV), and the many expletives were deleted, and I had to skip through commercials, I thought it was brilliant and hilarious. I've made tapes of it to share with my non-cabled friends. Now it's playing in theatres, and I'm tempted to see it again.
Now, maybe you've got to be Jewish to love this film, and maybe you've also got to have been brought up in a Catholic town (as I was), and maybe you've got to have felt the sting of everyone else celebrating Christmas while you've got this lousy holiday based on a rather tepid myth (the Chanukah story), but, even if the movie was made just for me, it was a great movie. I give it a 10.
Now, maybe you've got to be Jewish to love this film, and maybe you've also got to have been brought up in a Catholic town (as I was), and maybe you've got to have felt the sting of everyone else celebrating Christmas while you've got this lousy holiday based on a rather tepid myth (the Chanukah story), but, even if the movie was made just for me, it was a great movie. I give it a 10.
The Hebrew Hammer adds a colorful, new dimension to parody
jyancura9 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
What Spinal Tap did to the Rocumentary and what Austin Powers did to the spy flick, The Hebrew Hammer attempts to do to testosterone induced rebel films. One's appreciation, or even toleration, of the Hebrew Hammer depends on whether or not they buy into it. It is ridiculous, sophomoric and potentially offensive to Jews, African-Americans, and even Christmasphiles. However, the script is witty and multidimensional. In addition, the performances delivered by Adam Goldberg, Judy Greer, and Mario Van Peebles strike a fine mix of funny, sexy, and cool.
On the surface, the film is almost a series of sketch comedy scenes. Notable of which are when reindeer butcher Santa (shown silhouette a la Hitchcock) as the Christmas patriarch gasps, "Et tu Vixen.." Also when the hero's mother guilt-trick-manipulates him at the dinner table into doing exactly what he said that he would not do, save Hanukkah, five minutes prior. The amazing thing to me about the script was that, instead of existing in isolation such as in films like Anchorman, there is a sense of pacing, texture, and plot to the sketches as they make up a greater whole.
The Hebrew Hammer is not going to change the world or revolutionize the film industry. Those very sensitive to racial stereotypes being exaggerated for humors' sake or generally possessing a PC disposition may want to avoid the movie. What the Hebrew Hammer does best is add a colorful, new dimension to the action, rebel-genre, parody.
On the surface, the film is almost a series of sketch comedy scenes. Notable of which are when reindeer butcher Santa (shown silhouette a la Hitchcock) as the Christmas patriarch gasps, "Et tu Vixen.." Also when the hero's mother guilt-trick-manipulates him at the dinner table into doing exactly what he said that he would not do, save Hanukkah, five minutes prior. The amazing thing to me about the script was that, instead of existing in isolation such as in films like Anchorman, there is a sense of pacing, texture, and plot to the sketches as they make up a greater whole.
The Hebrew Hammer is not going to change the world or revolutionize the film industry. Those very sensitive to racial stereotypes being exaggerated for humors' sake or generally possessing a PC disposition may want to avoid the movie. What the Hebrew Hammer does best is add a colorful, new dimension to the action, rebel-genre, parody.
Facepalm
ggoldfingers10 July 2020
You know one of those movies where you see the title and you think that this is either going to be a cult classic or a disaster ?
This is the latter,in a big way.
The premise is dodgy but that's about it !
The whole Hebrew thing is bordering on racism but it's not sufficiently intelligible to be offensive.
I don't want to be too cruel but it's coarse,corny and I can see why it flopped.
The wince factor is high with this one.
Avoid.
One of the funniest movies EVER!!!
daisyalea20 May 2004
Excellent Jewplotation movie! In the same vein as "Gonna git you Sucka" and "Shaft." Viewed it at the Jewish Film Festival - a MUST see. Witty, goofy and full of 'in-your' face stereotypes that illustrate the silliness and the stupidity of racial stereotypes. If you get a chance to see the unedited version of this movie - DO SO! You won't regret it! I can't believe that this wasn't more mainstream.
Although there were a few inconsistencies in the movie, such as different license plates on the car and day/night inconsistencies, they were not enough to detract from the overall effect of the movie.
Additionally the actors did wonderful work with their characters.
They were played perfectly over top when required.
Although there were a few inconsistencies in the movie, such as different license plates on the car and day/night inconsistencies, they were not enough to detract from the overall effect of the movie.
Additionally the actors did wonderful work with their characters.
They were played perfectly over top when required.
You might have to see it for yourself.
mockfilmreviews24 January 2016
When I was a young buck fresh out of film school, hungry for a chance to do anything in the field, I was hired on my second real movie gig as a an Art PA to build and dress sets. Given the script on the day I was hired, I couldn't believe the pitch told to me in the moments following me reading the title. The evil son of Santa Claus named Damien kills Santa in order to monopolize the holiday season by putting an end to Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. The only hope of saving the day is Mordechai Jefferson Carver aka The Hebrew Hammer, the hardest hitting heeb this side of the Tel Aviv (not my words) and his allies at The Jewish Justice League and The Kwanzaa Liberation Front. You dig!
Made as a spoof of the Blackspoitation films of the 70's, The Hebrew Hammer is basically the Jewish Shaft. Part man. Part street. 100% kosher. With offensively un-PC jokes aimed at everyone regardless of race, religion or creed, the film is nothing, if not fair, to everyone that it might offend. (and you may just be offended. You're an adult, suck it up!) But that aside, the concept of the film is a solid one. Only held back by it's low budget, but I can tell you from being there, we did the best with we could with what we had and it mostly worked... mostly.
Made as a spoof of the Blackspoitation films of the 70's, The Hebrew Hammer is basically the Jewish Shaft. Part man. Part street. 100% kosher. With offensively un-PC jokes aimed at everyone regardless of race, religion or creed, the film is nothing, if not fair, to everyone that it might offend. (and you may just be offended. You're an adult, suck it up!) But that aside, the concept of the film is a solid one. Only held back by it's low budget, but I can tell you from being there, we did the best with we could with what we had and it mostly worked... mostly.
The Kosher Man's Shaft
elicopperman24 December 2022
During the festive Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, few media seems to even be out there in the first place. That being said, one notable piece of entertainment is the comedic take on blaxploitation films of the 70s albeit with a Jewish twist, The Hebrew Hammer. Released in 2003 to Comedy Central, the film has fallen somewhat into cult obscurity as an odd parody of a specific genre in retro modern filmmaking, only the lead is a Hebrew man's take on Shaft and the work of Melvin Van Peebles. Nowadays, while it definitely has its strengths in the humor department, perhaps that might also be its ultimate weakness.
The plot follows Mordechai Jefferson Carver (Adam Goldberg), a Jewish blaxploitation crime fighter known professionally as the Hebrew Hammer. His mission in the film is to save Hanukkah from Santa Claus's evil son Damien (Andy Dick), who plans to destroy Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and make everyone celebrate Christmas. Just like the general tone of the feature, the premise is quite silly albeit controversial to anyone assuming that Christmas is celebrated by antisemites. That being said, the humor in the film is reliant on exaggerating Jewish people and pretty much anyone else celebrating Christmas, especially when Mordechai's persona is derived from being hated for his religion. When the film is funny, it can be relatable to the Jewish people and hysterical to those who are still fans of the genre it's spoofing. When it's not funny, it gets obvious how tired a lot of its steam can get and much of the comedy feels offensive for offensive sake. It doesn't help when the comedic slams on Shaft feel overplayed by the same Jewish comedic banter anyone has heard over and over again.
As for the whole Christmas subtext, the film seems to blend a genuine social commentary on the Jewish and Christian people coming together and seeing the brainwashing of the aforementioned Damien. As menacing as this character sounds on paper and as much as Dick hams up his performance to rev up the stakes, we're not spent as much time to truly feel his wrath other than him wanting to take over the holidays out of ignorant prejudice. Considering how nearly everyone in the feature is already somewhat of a stereotype, including Hammer's mother and black crime fighting partner Mohammed Ali Paula Abdul Rahim, Damien blends in a bit too well albeit in the generic bad guy take over the world persona. It's totally fine for a comedy film to at least attempt serious drama and action, but when nearly every scene is played for laughs, it becomes a bit hard to take anything seriously, something that the best spoof cinema filmmakers knew about to blend the comedy and pathos. Then again, perhaps too much can be expected from the one and only savior of Hanukkah.
For all of its hit or miss comedy and overwhelming abundance of silliness, The Hebrew Hammer is a well-intentioned parody of exploitation crime fighting cinema that we don't see much of anymore, let alone from a Kosher perspective. I would say check this film out if you're curious enough to see what it has to offer as a whole, especially when there are so few features out there that tackle anything related to Hanukkah in general. As this is the season for peace on Earth, perhaps a little levity through stupid comedy and Hebrew antics can spice things up for the holidays prior to the new year.
The plot follows Mordechai Jefferson Carver (Adam Goldberg), a Jewish blaxploitation crime fighter known professionally as the Hebrew Hammer. His mission in the film is to save Hanukkah from Santa Claus's evil son Damien (Andy Dick), who plans to destroy Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and make everyone celebrate Christmas. Just like the general tone of the feature, the premise is quite silly albeit controversial to anyone assuming that Christmas is celebrated by antisemites. That being said, the humor in the film is reliant on exaggerating Jewish people and pretty much anyone else celebrating Christmas, especially when Mordechai's persona is derived from being hated for his religion. When the film is funny, it can be relatable to the Jewish people and hysterical to those who are still fans of the genre it's spoofing. When it's not funny, it gets obvious how tired a lot of its steam can get and much of the comedy feels offensive for offensive sake. It doesn't help when the comedic slams on Shaft feel overplayed by the same Jewish comedic banter anyone has heard over and over again.
As for the whole Christmas subtext, the film seems to blend a genuine social commentary on the Jewish and Christian people coming together and seeing the brainwashing of the aforementioned Damien. As menacing as this character sounds on paper and as much as Dick hams up his performance to rev up the stakes, we're not spent as much time to truly feel his wrath other than him wanting to take over the holidays out of ignorant prejudice. Considering how nearly everyone in the feature is already somewhat of a stereotype, including Hammer's mother and black crime fighting partner Mohammed Ali Paula Abdul Rahim, Damien blends in a bit too well albeit in the generic bad guy take over the world persona. It's totally fine for a comedy film to at least attempt serious drama and action, but when nearly every scene is played for laughs, it becomes a bit hard to take anything seriously, something that the best spoof cinema filmmakers knew about to blend the comedy and pathos. Then again, perhaps too much can be expected from the one and only savior of Hanukkah.
For all of its hit or miss comedy and overwhelming abundance of silliness, The Hebrew Hammer is a well-intentioned parody of exploitation crime fighting cinema that we don't see much of anymore, let alone from a Kosher perspective. I would say check this film out if you're curious enough to see what it has to offer as a whole, especially when there are so few features out there that tackle anything related to Hanukkah in general. As this is the season for peace on Earth, perhaps a little levity through stupid comedy and Hebrew antics can spice things up for the holidays prior to the new year.
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