Chief Zabu is a comedic, yet socially relevant film that inspires a rewatch. As the film's fictional country of Tiberaku falls under the public eye while applying for a seat in the United Nations, American real estate agents flock to have a part in the financial sector of the country. The film tells an excellent story about the cost of the American Dream and the elements that come into play while pursuing it. Zack Norman steals the show with his zany and hilarious characterization of Sammy Brooks. Overall, Chief Zabu is an entertaining, enjoyable and important film I will be showing my friends soon.
43 Reviews
A must-see!
quinnthomas-7387016 July 2020
Chief Zabu is a timeless 80's satire that will continue to stay relevant throughout the years no matter the audience. In this film two realtors dream of having power in the political field and decide to capitalize on a Polynesian island in order to help them get to the top. Writers Neil Cohen and Zack Norman did a beautiful job when it came to writing a plot that would stay significant throughout time due to the constant crave of power and success in society. The writing included a perfect amount of humor to make the film comical but also continue to stay meaningful in its motifs. It's evident throughout the film that Cohen and Norman put a great amount of thought into each dialogue and scene in order to make the film so smooth as if this were happening in real life. Based on the amazing work done by Cohen and Norman I truly believe this film will continue to impress later generations as well.
MUST SEE!!!
Sheila_Surage15 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Chief Zabu is a hidden film in the 80's and just recently became unearthed. After 30 years, this film remains to resemble modern politics all while staying funny and light hearted. We follow two sleazy New York real estate agents who want to become rich fast and gain political influence. They come upon an investment opportunity with Polynesian Island, Tiburaku, that is seeking UN membership. The comedic dialogue really adds to the quick banter between characters. This shows to be very true in scene where leading actors, Allen Garfield and Zack Norman, taunt each other about their margins from this deal. This upbeat film was filled with 80's nostalgia that is hard to find today.
Absolutely Wonderful! A Must-See!
sharmarmusic31 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Laughed and smiled throughout! The parallels to the current presidential race were absolutely uncanny...actually amazing as the movie was shot decades ago. Quintessential real estate broker scenes, fund raising scenes, and an astonishingly accurate negotiating scene...arguing about splitting up the proceeds that don't yet exist! Comedy and pathos mixed together. Held my attention from the first moment. Seeing some of the greatest comic actors from the past was a treat! The fact that it was low budget was irrelevant, as it transported the audience...who loved it...to another place and time. Great payoff at the end! A must-see!...Especially if you want 74 minutes of comic relief from the current insanity of the world!
Brilliantly funny
jamescentre1 November 2016
Chief Zabu is an intelligently written comedy that brilliantly satirizes global politics and the American dream. Although the film was shot thirty years ago, many of the jokes still land perfectly, as they still relate to today's current political climate. Allen Garfield and Zack Norman share a wonderful on-screen chemistry as two ambitious real estate developers dreaming of wealth and success. When these two friends learn that they can capitalize on a small Polynesian island, what ensues is a hilariously engaging plot to gain control of the tropical land. The quick-paced nature of the dialogue adds a level of realism to the film, making it all the more engrossing. What is perhaps most impressive was that the filmmakers were able make the film look so good on such a modest budget (just under 188 thousand dollars). Chief Zabu scores as a believable and deliciously intriguing send-up.
Hilariously Relevant
radhikaroshantorchlight7 November 2016
In the height of this election season, Chief Zabu is an extremely relevant film that follows multiple characters wanting a higher political status and influence. The hilarious political satire follows a group of New York real estate agents, played by Zack Norman, Allen Garfield, and Allan Arbus, as they plot to raise money and take over the fictional Polynesian nation Tiberaku while it's leader vies for admittance into the UN. This film was made in 1986, but the recent election inspired filmmakers Neil Cohen and Zach Norman to reassemble and release it. Allen Garfield plays Ben Sydney, the mastermind of this lucrative deal and ironically, the reason the filmmakers wanted to release this film. He is likened very much to a modern-day Trump. I was engaged the entire time, it was just so funny to follow these characters in their ridiculous ambitions, especially seeing how well it related to today's political state. I definitely recommend it.
It's a MUST see!
linds-917751 November 2016
This audacious sociopolitical comedy is easily an instant classic! It is chock full of legendary actors staring the duo of the century - Zack Norman and Allen Garfield - who are each uniquely hilarious. The story follows a needful New York real estate developer (Garfield) who dreams of gaining political influence and status quo. In hopes of achieving this, his coworker and right hand man, Sammy (Norman) become involved with an international hustler to finance a newly independent Polynesian country while their leader, Chief Zabu is in New York seeking admission to the UN. In the wake of our current whirlwind of political madness, this film alleviates all anxieties of the election with a huge dosage of satire. It's as if they combined today's relevancy with the nostalgic, smart humor of the 80's - very reminiscent of classics such as Trading Places and CaddyShack. If you're looking for a witty comedy, Chief Zabu delivers.
30 Years Old, Yet Currently Relevant
cody-324023 November 2016
Ever thought about a world where your favorite movies never made it to the big screen? Imagine uncovering, dusting off and watching for the first time Ferris Bueller's Day Off or The Breakfast Club. Some movies go through the whole production process but never get released to the public. This was the case for Chief Zabu. If you're an analytical film-goer who is typically stimulated by political intrigue than Zabu might be your 30 year old lost treasure. Despite its age, it maintains visual integrity as if it had the backing of a major studio. The film follows Ben Sydney (played by Allen Garfield) who is a real estate developer that lacks the ability to grasp the bigger picture of things. It also follows Sammy (played by Zack Norman), a trusty employee to Sidney, who aspires to be a stand up comedian rather than work in real estate his whole life. The duo believe they have struck gold when they are swindled by George Dankworth (played by Allan Arbus) to finance a deal involving a tiny, young, Polynesian island called Tiberaku. This deal will supposedly allow Ben and Sammy to profit from their soft drink and fishing rights they would be obtaining
as long as Chief Henri Zabu (played by Manu Tupou) gets the UN to approve them as an Independent nation. Though the central focus of the film is this deal revolving around Tiberaku, it's really about the American Dream and what being successful really means. A treasure is a treasure because it maintains timeless value. That's exactly why Chief Zabu is a lost treasure and is incredibly relevant today.
Chief Zabu is great!
elizabethalexander-082842 November 2016
Chief Zabu is a socio-political comedy shot in the 1980's that only recently released this year and just in time for the presidential election. It tells the story of two New York businessmen who scheme to take over a Polynesian country in hopes of living out their American dream. Neil Cohen and Zack Norman create a hilariously quick-witted script in this social satire that I found exceptionally entertaining. Also, Allen Garfield and Zack Norman were perfect in their roles as the hysterical New Yorkers. Their chemistry on screen was truly captivating and I loved their intelligent humor and perfect comedic timing. Although this was a low-budget film with a short running time, it successfully manages to humorously incorporate topics of the political and social world that are still incredibly relevant today. I highly recommend watching this uniquely brilliant comedy.
Excellent Chemistry!
miguelrosco14 July 2020
I truly believe that the most important element in any movie is the talent's individual performance and the chemistry of the cast. This combination creates a sense of believability, and Chief Zabu knocks it out the park in both aspects. Allen Garfield and Zack Norman do a stellar job as the main characters that kept me fully engaged throughout the film. While the writing proves to be very witty and off the walls, these performances make the film a bit more grounded and provide viewers with an in-depth look at the morality of these characters. The exchanges among the cast makes for a very humorous environment, something that can easily fall short in other comedy films. The ensemble cast does a great job playing off of one another and it really shows. Even four decades after its original conception, it's no surprise the comedy still holds its own in every regard.
Hysterical Indie Gem
delaneykrichman21 July 2020
Neil Cohen's socio-political satire is an indie gem that I found to be downright hysterical. The writing especially is remarkable in the way that the two bumbling pseudo-politicians (played by Zach Norman and the late Allen Garfield) manage to keep up a fast-paced dialogue that on the surface means absolutely nothing yet still holds a deeper commentary about the American Dream. The two actors clearly have great chemistry which allows their constant banter to feel natural and all the more real. For a truly independent film, it definitely holds up to mainstream cinema.
Timeless!
lmcbride-725629 November 2016
Having missed the past few festivals in Fort Lauderdale, I finally made the trip to see Chief Zabu this year! I was completely enthralled by the synopsis of the film and how long it took to come out. I certainly wasn't disappointed - it was well worth the drive! The story is cleverly written while the characters are absolutely hilarious. Normally I don't write reviews but since there is a horribly undeserved review, I thought I'd submit my opinion to hopefully balance it out. I, along with the many other positive reviewers absolutely LOVED the film. It is a fantastic political satire that is surprisingly relevant to this day. I would see it again in a heartbeat!
Chief Zabu, 80s for the Now
richarderrington-9754616 July 2020
Chief Zabu cleverly commentates on current figures on our society while giving us an experience that few will regret. The film follows Ben Sydney (Allen Garfield) and Sammy Brooks (Zack Norman) as they try to get rich through the introduction of the island country Tiburaku to the United Nations. Though Garfield is the leader actor, Norman steals the show with his uncanny comedic timing and his wild characterization of New York realtor. Norman embodies his character with the natural confidence of a New Yorker while also showing off the underlying genius of him. Sammy Brooks is almost a step ahead of the whole plot, giving the audience an everyman to relate to with his reluctant belief in the plot and his true dream of working for his recognition through his comedy. If there were ever a character that makes a great film fantastic, it's Sammy Brooks. The film is hilariously on point with the world of under-the-table business and I plan to share it as much as possible.
A Timeless Comedy
izzymoon2520 July 2020
The greatest accomplishment of 'Chief Zabu' is probably its timeless humor. The story begins with New York businessmen proposing to financially take over a small, Polynesian island for the chance of gaining wealth, status, and political influence. The main duo consists of Ben Sydney, a real estate developer (played by Allen Garfield), and his friend and failed comedian, Sammy Brooks (played by co-director Zack Norman). The chemistry of the pair delightfully livens up the screen along with their absurd, chaotic energy and banter. 'Chief Zabu' is a funny, fast-paced film that has grown only more relevant since it was made. I can't imagine there has been a better time for a film like this to be released.
Vote for Chief Zabu!
SophiaWhite2322 November 2016
Chief Zabu proves to be a timeless film. In 1986, Co-directors Neil Cohen and Zack Norman teamed together to create this cheeky socio-political comedy but unfortunately it was never released. Fast forward thirty years, and now Chief Zabu has come back to life and is even more relevant than ever. This political satire follows a status-seeking New York real estate agent Ben Sydney (Allen Garfield) as he attempts to close a huge international deal. The overly optimistic, and sometimes naïve Ben convinces his smart business partner and also best friend Sammy Brooks (Zack Norman) to assist him in accomplishing his goal This deal of a lifetime centers around the newly independent fictional South Pacific island of Tiburaku, whose leader Chief Henri Zabu journeys to New York in hopes of obtaining UN membership. While Zabu is away, Ben and an assembly of other businessmen try to figure out ways to invest in this new island. From building roads to obtaining fishing rights, they try to exploit Tiburaku from every angle possible in hopes of getting rich and climbing the social ladder. The comedic performances by Allen Garfield and Zack Norman add a hilarious spin to the business world and helps lighten the conversation of politics, especially with elections right around the corner. If you enjoy smart humor, I definitely recommend giving Chief Zabu a watch.
Hilarious Political Satire!
cshipleyfilm13 July 2020
Surrounding two sleazy business buddies looking to make a quick buck by investing in a peaceful Polynesian island, Chief Zabu is a quick-witted comedy that hilariously satirizes global politics and the "American dream. Although the film was originally made in 1988, many of the jokes are still relevant today, as they translate perfectly to 21st century politics. Actors Allen Garfield and Zack Norman's on-screen chemistry is incontrovertible as two power-hungry real estate developers with pie in the sky dreams of wealth and success. When these two friends learn that they can earn millions off of a small Polynesian island, what follows is a hilariously entertaining scheme to gain economic control of the tropical land. Overall, Chief Zabu is a hilarious, farcical, and witty satire with a humorous and engaging script that mocks sleazy business dealings and political influence that stands the test of time over 30 years after it was originally produced.
The 80's Classic You've Never Seen - Yet
ryangilmore-454138 July 2020
Chief Zabu is a great satire that was almost completely filmed in the 80's, but finally saw a release three decades later. As a result, the tone and writing of the film is very reminiscent of timeless works of Harold Ramis and John Landis. The cast is outstanding, they perfectly played real estate moguls who bumble their way into a landmark real estate deal with an island nation. Many of the actors evoke the pitch-perfect comedic timing they used in other films and shows they stole the show in, like Romancing the Stone and M*A*S*H. Overall, this is a nostalgic time capsule of its era; they don't make movies quite like this anymore.
One of the most independent films ever made
matzohboy-767-3370813 November 2016
Chief Zabu is spectacular and hilarious. The fact that the movie was shot in 1986 yet completed only months ago is nothing short of astonishing, giving it an air of complete autonomy and uniqueness; I've never seen anything like it and doubt anyone else has, either. The guerilla, micro-budget filmmaking style is years ahead of its time, as are its characters and themes, all weirdly relevant to the very latest issues of today, political and otherwise. The staccato banter and razor wit are comically arresting and delightful, the period art direction flawless and authentic without feeling dated or condescending, which is very rare indeed. The 1980s hair and costumes are of course spot-on, far crazier and amazing than any recreation could ever hope to be: you can't make this stuff up. As moving as it is irreverent, Chief Zabu is absurdist satire at its best!
A satirical & unorthodox masterpiece
anascarella16 June 2017
Chief Zabu is absolutely hysterical! A film with a sincerely twisted view of the American Dream with a sardonic tone, which features two business partner buddies who are looking to make a quick buck by investing in the peaceful paradise island of Tiberaku. The 80s style satirical humor is just the right amount of nostalgic and eccentric that will have you laughing the entire time. Definitely a cult classic type comedy film that is sure to be a hit. It's kind of ironic how much this film relates to current times even though it was shot thirty years ago. These bad apples of business have an ongoing banter that is unorthodox and witty, and when their scheme goes south their situations get even more out of hand. It definitely has that Twins vibe to it that emulates the 80s genre so well, and for being shot so long ago, the cinematography is outstanding. Definitely a must-see for those who are into that paradoxical humor that we've seen in so many classic films before.
Vote for Chief Zabu!!!!
janepeterse21 June 2017
A fresh 80's comedy, Chief Zabu follows two dense businessmen who want to invest in Tibuaku, an up-and-coming Polynesian Island. With its outlandish comedy and "totally 80's" quick banter, it does not disappoint. Allen Garfield (The Conversation) and Zack Norman (Romancing the Stone) are comedic geniuses and carry out the dry humored dialogue incredibly. With the banter reminding me of Seinfeld, the plot reminding me of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and the hilarious & famous actors in this movie, it is one you do not want to miss out on. Lost under the stairs of one of the directors, this satire is eerily relevant to politics and business today, which makes watching it even more hilarious. Every scene had a hilarious situation that was even more over the top than the last. Film fans, anyone who is nostalgic for the 80's, and business majors: I recommend this movie for you!
As relevant as it is hilarious
costasfsutl14 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
While Chief Zabu has been shelfed since 1988, its release in 2017 couldn't have been timed any better. Chief Zabu's political satire communicates to its audience brilliantly the corrupt atmosphere in business, politics, and all around the professional world that results from intense greed, ambition, or need for recognition. This film follows two New York businessmen as they try to profit from the building rights on a newly recognized country in the south pacific, Tiburaku. Their manipulation of the Tiburakan president, not only leads to his fall from the presidency, but it leads to the main character's rise to success in both politics and entertainment, their respective dream professions. This film's satirical approach to success in America paints a soiled portrait of the American dream, one which rewards selfish behavior and using others, showing that even success earned through one's merit can be dissolved from another's greed. I'd recommend seeing Chief Zabu for those hoping to see a banter filled satire of the American dream whose message resonates even today.
Nostalgic and Satirical, Totally 80's!
kaylifsutl14 June 2017
Allen Garfield and Zack Norman are an entertaining delight in Chief Zabu. They excellently portrayed the director's eccentric vision and their quick wit and banter keeps you on your toes. As a fan of dry and situational humor, I was pleased that this film was full of it. The rhythmic editing and shocking ending hold your attention to the very end. The nostalgic 80s feel will remind you of a National Lampoon or Seinfeld type comedy, but with modern day relevance. This film is about two men in real estate who set their sites on something much bigger, owning an entire island. The underlying themes are relevant in today's political climate which is uncanny because it was actually filmed in the 80's! The shots and filming quality of this film is amazing considering that it was filmed almost 30 years ago. I recommend this to 80s comedy fans or fans of satirical humor, you won't be disappointed.
Comedic Genius!
monicamariesuarez21 June 2017
Chief Zabu is a comedy like no other, with jokes that still land even after the 30-year gap between its creation and today. Allen Garfield and Zack Norman play two businessmen with a get rich quick scheme of monopolizing the island of Tiburaku. The film overflows with quick, dry humor and the fast paced editing matches their back and forth banter. Norman has acted alongside comedians Robin Williams and Danny DeVito, yet his humor shines most brightly as he quarrels with Garfield. Their characters Ben Sydney and Sammy Brooks scramble to fund their real estate project while the island's president, Chief Zabu, struggles to convince the UN to embrace Tiburaku as a member. I love the film's absurdity and how it closely mirrors today's political climate. The film's over-the-top depiction of the American Dream stands the test of time and leaves you with something to think about after the laughs have subsided. This film made me laugh to the point of tears and I think its silly plot adds to the intended satire quite nicely. Any fans of Seinfeld or the National Lampoon films will definitely get a kick out of this comedic gem.
Best indie comedy I've seen in many moons
litbrit-230-9095198 March 2017
We were fortunate that our local film festival (Gasparilla, in Ybor City, FL) featured a screening of Chief Zabu this weekend, as a good dose of grownup wit (and more than a few belly-laughs) were just what we needed after a stressful beginning to 2017. The film is not just *set* in the 1980s--it was actually *filmed* then, too, on a shoestring at that. And the tale of how the director and producer almost forgot about the indie project (a relatively new genre back then) and set about scrambling to reassemble it, then give up, then locate an unblemished original and release it some 30 years later, is a story in itself. But anyway...on to the movie. It's about the hilarious scheme cooked up by a real estate investor named Ben Sydney (played perfectly by Allen Garfield) who is both a wheeler-dealer and social climber along the lines of you-know-who. Ben, along with his partner and best friend Sammy Brooks (brilliantly played by Zack Norman), is trying to pull off an investment scheme that involves getting UN membership for the Polynesian island nation of Tiburaku (yes, it's fictional), meanwhile he and his friends will benefit from the fishing and building rights; make a massive fortune for themselves; and even gain some political power and entré in the process. Of course, a few small things go awry, to hilarious effect. The satire could not be more on-point if the script had been written yesterday (the long, single-shot scene in the convertible, in particular, is pitch-perfect). As the French might say (while carrying out tests on Tiburaku), plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose (the more things change, the more it's the same thing).
Witty and Charismatic Film - A Must See
jsscmrgndvs21 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
"Chief Zabu" is a film with a biting wit and uncompromising narrative. It's bold, technicolor cinematography is almost quintessentially '80s, and the dry, situational humor lends the film its distinct tone and character. With a film as eccentric and outlandish as this, it is hard to write a concise and succinct review that celebrates the skill of directors Neil Cohen and Zack Norman, but nonetheless I shall try. Cohen and Norman distill a searing and absurdist story from two sleazy businessmen, Ben Sidney and Sammy Brooks, trying to get their hands on the sunlight coasts of Tiburaku, a newly formed nation with extraordinary monetary potential. The lush island life of Tiburaku seems like merely a dream, an alternate reality to the cold bitter universe that the movie presents. The film carries along at a consistent and daring pace, skillfully carrying their characters on a ride that takes them to increasingly odd and bizarre destinations. Each character is almost willfully unique, and the film presents itself with such brevity and intelligence that the sharp commentary pierces through the absurdist humor with brilliant poignancy. This film is poised to take the world by storm, with its startling narrative that recalls modern issues despite its age, and its whimsical yet brazen comedic style, keep a look out for "Chief Zabu," because when it arrives, you won't want to miss it.
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