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.

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.

Surrounding two sleazy business buddies looking to make a quick buck by investing in a peaceful Polynesian island, Chief Zabu is a quick-witted comedy that hilariously satirizes global politics and the "American dream. Although the film was originally made in 1988, many of the jokes are still relevant today, as they translate perfectly to 21st century politics. Actors Allen Garfield and Zack Norman's on-screen chemistry is incontrovertible as two power-hungry real estate developers with pie in the sky dreams of wealth and success. When these two friends learn that they can earn millions off of a small Polynesian island, what follows is a hilariously entertaining scheme to gain economic control of the tropical land. Overall, Chief Zabu is a hilarious, farcical, and witty satire with a humorous and engaging script that mocks sleazy business dealings and political influence that stands the test of time over 30 years after it was originally produced.

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.