Go for Zucker

Reviewer: James van Maanen
Rating (out of 5): ***

For obvious reasons, Go for Zucker, a German Jewish comedy (three words not often linked over the last half century), is something of a landmark. This very funny dysfunctional-families farce appeals by setting a number of people and plots in motion and then spinning them nearly (but not quite) out of control.

Headed by a performer new to me but evidently quite popular in Germany - ex-East German Henry Huebchen - the cast is particularly well-chosen. Each member comes through with a fine performance that captures the humor and the humanity of his/her character. Director/co-writer (and sometimes actor: La Repetition) Dani Levy does a commendable job of balancing the rollicking comedy with bits of reality that keep cropping up to catch us - and his characters - off guard. Indeed, while this movie qualifies as "feel-good," it reaches its goal in a sometimes surprising and circuitous path. And since it keeps you laughing consistently along the way, you should enjoy the trek.

The movie pays attention to today's Germany, envisioning it as a kind of microcosm of Europe in its new western/eastern look: here are the religious Jews and the not-so, former East Berliners and West, lesbians and gays, immigrants and natives, all treated with the same curious but quick scrutiny. The lead actor (and his character) possesses some of the politically incorrect stance that also makes the Dutch film Simon so memorable. Zucker is lighter, funnier and nowhere near as deep, but certainly worth a watch. In addition to having a good time, you may - if you're part of the senior generation or the younger set who possess a sense of history - find yourself quite content to ruminate on the fact that an entertaining Jewish comedy has at last come out of Germany.