Chief Zabu

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.