Review of The Hebrew Hammer (2003) by Walter M — 28 Jul 2005

[font=Century Gothic][font=Book Antiqua]In "Hebrew Hammer", Santa Claus is killed by his son, Damian(Andy Dick) who now wants to get rid[/font] of Hanukah. Only the Hebrew Hammer, Mordecai Jefferson Carver(Adam Goldberg), aided by the beautiful Esther(Judy Greer) and the leader of the Kwanzaa Liberation Front(Mario van Peebles) can stop the new Santa Claus from carrying out his nefarious schemes.[/font].

"Hebrew Hammer" is an amusingly silly spoof of blaxploitation movies of the 70's with a serious message of tolerance. It simultaneously tries to send up stereotypes(Mordecai is Jewish and macho) but also uses them on occasion.(For example, Nora Dunn is extremely annoying as a Jewish mother.) There are some wonderful moments. And a couple of great cameos add to the fun. Goldberg is likable and Greer is quite appealing. In the end, the movie really does not make much sense but that does not mean it cannot be enjoyed.