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Munich tells the story of the events that took place after the assassination of the eleven Israel athletes at the 1972 Olympic Games in Germany. And it tells it for a long time. Munich is directed by Steven Spielberg and noted as his second longest film next to Schindler’s List. This is nothing to brag about Stevie. You could have made a much better movie in half the time.

The central character Avner (Eric Bana) is a Mossad agent who is hired to assassinate the Palestinian terrorists responsible for the Olympic killings. Avner’s four take off around the world, tracking down and offing those responsible for the acts. Along the way the whole issue gets cloudy as to why they are doing what they are doing and does this make them like the ones they are after. This would have been an amazing 100-minute movie but instead we have a 2 hour and 40 minute mediocre tale. You are just ready to get out of the theater and could care less who is right or wrong.

That is a shame because as I mentioned this isn't a bad film it is just a long film. And unlike long films that are great this is a long film that is
just ok which makes it a really long film that gets worse as it goes along. I believe the issue the writers had was how to end it. There were several times when I thought, ok, this is it, time to go, but they would rehash the same old points that were brought about twenty minutes ago. It sort of reminds me of the neighbor who comes over and as you are walking him to the door he keeps talking and once you are on the porch you think he will finally go but he keeps talking and starts repeating himself. That is the ending of this film.

But enough about why to avoid this film let me talk briefly about why to watch it. The writing is well done and the characters are unique and
believable. You can sympathize with their passions and understand what drives them to the task at hand. When we first meet Avner and his team they are having dinner and talking about why they are there. We find that these are not cold-hearted killers but rather men with deep-rooted doubts of their own abilities and strengths. It is almost humorous at times to watch them plot each assassination and carry it out. You wonder if they will end up killing each other first. But as they move along the list we start to see their personal lines grow fuzzy until the hunters become the hunted.

I truly hope that Spielberg has not started thinking so much of himself that he believes we will sit through three hours of an ok movie just to pay homage to his greatness. The bottom line is, make a great film and make it quick. Or if you cant, at least keep me entertained, enlightened or enthralled. Munich does none of these. Munich is rated R for strong graphic violence, some sexual content, nudity and language.  I can only give it 2.5 out of 5. One for each hour.

The Mungle  12/20/05

Matt hosts the weekly syndicated Indie Rock Radio Show Spin 180. Plus with his wife Cindy they do a weekly radio feature, The Mungles on Movies. For additional reviews and interview clips visit the website www.mungleshow.com