TEL AVIV -- In Zohan Dvir, Israelis have a Hollywood hero -- no matter that the soldier-turned-hairstylist played by Adam Sandler represents some of their country's worst stereotypes.
"You Don't Mess With the Zohan" looks to be a big hit in the Holy Land. Billboards bearing the leading man's split-legged, blow-dryer-wielding image are plastered across city walls, and numerous stories have been written and broadcast in the local media, which has called it the "most Israeli film in Hollywood."
The movie tries to bridge Jews and Arabs by making fun of them. But in Israel, people are drawn in more because of its Israeli protagonist and the cadre of Israeli actors and musicians featured in the film.
The Zohan, as he's known, is Israel's most legendary commando. He can karate kick through walls, catch bullets with his teeth and outswim jet boats; he's equally skilled in the bedroom. But after a while he tires of killing off terrorists and barbecuing nude with bikini-clad babes on the beach and longs for more meaning in his life.
"When will we have peace?" he asks his mother, played by the veteran Israeli actress Dina Doronne. "How much longer will we have to fight?"
"We've been fighting for 2,000 years," she responds blandly, "so it should be over soon."
Zohan doesn't buy it, so he fakes his own death in dramatic fashion so he can re-emerge anonymously in Manhattan and fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a women's hairstylist. There he charms his way to success and discovers that Jews and Arabs can get along, before some ridiculous plot lines force him back to his aggressive ways.
Israelis didn't seem too slighted by the not-too-favorable portrayal of them. At Wednesday's premiere in Tel Aviv, the packed crowd burst out in ovation and laughter at each sighting of an Israeli actor and at each over-the-top cliche of their behavior -- like when Zohan brushes his teeth with hummus, disco dances with a huge bulge in his pants or plays paddle ball with hand grenades.
"I wasn't insulted at all. It was funny. Exaggerated, but funny," said Guy Ben-Yaacov, 23. "Besides, I know a few guys like Zohan."
Israelis involved in the film said the exposure could only be good for their country.
"I think it is almost a gesture toward Israel," said Ido Mosseri, who plays Zohan's pushy expat Israeli sidekick Oori. "I was a little worried because Israeli crowds are very critical, but I think they took it all in with love."
