Chief Zabu

I truly believe that the most important element in any movie is the talent's individual performance and the chemistry of the cast. This combination creates a sense of believability, and Chief Zabu knocks it out the park in both aspects. Allen Garfield and Zack Norman do a stellar job as the main characters that kept me fully engaged throughout the film. While the writing proves to be very witty and off the walls, these performances make the film a bit more grounded and provide viewers with an in-depth look at the morality of these characters. The exchanges among the cast makes for a very humorous environment, something that can easily fall short in other comedy films. The ensemble cast does a great job playing off of one another and it really shows. Even four decades after its original conception, it's no surprise the comedy still holds its own in every regard.

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.

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 Although the film was originally made in 1988, many of the jokes are still relevant today, as they translate perfectly to 21st century politics.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.

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.

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.