Chief Zabu

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.