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Movies / On DVD / Hebrew Hammer
Hebrew Hammer

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Hebrew Hammer (2003)

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Reviews Counted:11

Fresh:5

Rotten:6

Average Rating:4.7/10

Rated: Not Rated

Runtime: 86 mins

Genre: Comedies

Theatrical Release:Dec 19, 2003 Limited

Synopsis: THE HEBREW HAMMER is 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... THE HEBREW HAMMER is 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. [More]

Starring: Adam Goldberg, Judy Greer, Andy Dick, Sean Whalen

Starring: Adam Goldberg, Judy Greer, Andy Dick, Sean Whalen, Mario Van Peebles, Nora Dunn, Peter Coyote, Tony Cox

Director: Jonathan Kesselman

Director: Jonathan Kesselman
Screenwriter: Jonathan Kesselman
Producer: Sofia Sondervan, Josh Kesselman, Lisa Fragner
Composer: Michael Cohen
Studio: Strand Releasing

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Nov 16, 2004

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Reviews for Hebrew Hammer

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Full Review Source: Toronto Star | comment Comment
04/17/04
Geoff Pevere
Geoff Pevere
Toronto Star
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Kesselman keeps the movie crackling with the raucous energy absent since Mel Brooks' heyday.

Full Review Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune | comment Comment
04/08/04
Colin Covert
Colin Covert
Minneapolis Star Tribune
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Desperation is the project's principal quality.

Full Review Source: Washington Post | comment Comment
01/30/04
Mark Jenkins
Mark Jenkins
Washington Post
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The movie hits as much as it misses, with enough witty observations to ensure that somewhere, Kesselman's mother is kvelling.

Full Review Source: New York Daily News | comment Comment
01/02/04
Elizabeth Weitzman
Elizabeth Weitzman
New York Daily News
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Kesselman's thin script generally is funniest when it's riffing on Jewish stereotypes and goyish bigotry.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
12/23/03
David Rooney
David Rooney
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

An insubstantial but highly entertaining flick.

Full Review Source: Dallas Morning News | comment Comment
12/20/03
Matt Weitz
Matt Weitz
Dallas Morning News
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A crass, sophomoric and, more to the point, offensively unfunny parody.

Full Review Source: Hollywood Reporter | comment Comment
12/19/03
Michael Rechtshaffen
Michael Rechtshaffen
Hollywood Reporter
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

A hit-and-miss affair.

Full Review Source: New York Post | comment Comment
12/19/03
Megan Lehmann
Megan Lehmann
New York Post
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Would have worked brilliantly as a five-minute late-night comedy sketch.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
12/18/03
A.O. Scott
A.O. Scott
New York Times
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Unfunny rather than outrageous as intended.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
12/18/03
Kevin Thomas
Kevin Thomas
Los Angeles Times
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You may not always laugh at it. But you can't help indulging its junior-high jitters.

Full Review Source: Newsday | comment Comment
12/18/03
Gene Seymour
Gene Seymour
Newsday
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The result is explicit, if less than hilarious.

Full Review Source: Village Voice | comment Comment
12/16/03
J. Hoberman
J. Hoberman
Village Voice
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Latest News for Hebrew Hammer

May 18, 2005: Weinsteins Are "Hoodwinked" by CGI Red Riding Hood Comedy
Although their new company has yet to receive an official name, that's not stopping the Weinstein brothers from making a few Cannes purchases. The brothers just snapped up North... More...

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