In 1967, with their survival at stake, Israel launched attacks on three fronts against an Arab coalition, which included Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Iraq. Those nations were intent on the total destruction of the Jewish state. It only took Israel six days to win a decisive military victory.
In 1972, the “Munich massacre” took place during the summer Olympics. A Palestinian group known as Black September kidnapped and murdered eleven Israeli athletes. A 2005 movie directed by Steven Spielberg, called Munich, details the revenge wreaked on those responsible. One by one Israeli agents tracked the perpetrators down and they all paid the ultimate price.
In June 1976, undeterred by the lessons of history, the Palestinian Freedom Fighters hijacked a plane with 106 Jewish passengers and flew them to Uganda, threatening to kill them if Israel didn’t negotiate for the release of Palestinian prisoners. That was a bad decision, as they knew all along that 1) Israel never negotiates with terrorists, and 2) They will come and destroy you, and in the process save their people. And that’s exactly what happened.
Unfortunately, the writers, directors, and film editing teams fell short. The entire movie moves (very slowly) toward the rescue mission, and then when it finally arrives, it is totally anti-climactic. I expected something akin to the Zero Dark Thirty mission, even though you knew the outcome, you were glued to your seat while it took place. Alas, there was no glue to be had during this one.
The only recognizable performer in the movie was Rosamund Pike, who frequently plays the role of courageous women, most recently in Hostiles. She is probably best known for her role in Gone Girl, but somehow does not feel like a fit as a terrorist, which she is in this one.
7 Days In Entebbe
Entertainment Rating: ★
Rating: PG-13: one or two minor profanities
Possible Oscar Nominations: None
I was one of four people in the theater, and no one seemed to be the least bit enthused by what should have been (on screen) a moving story. Bits and pieces were captured by real film clips of the family reunions at the end, but too little too late.
Now a brief word about the “Shape” of the Oscars. I haven’t watched them in several years, and not just because I don’t care for Jimmy Kimmel. I was very happy to learn that Gary Oldman won the best actor award, well deserved. It was an affront to the many folks who saw Born in China, that it was not even nominated for best documentary. Finally, I am ashamed to admit that I sat through The Shape of Water. After all thirteen nominations must mean it’s a pretty good film, so I went. If you like lots of frontal nudity, sex acts on screen, and machine gun profanity, then you would be happy with this one. I’ve been banging my head on the wall ever since, wondering why I didn’t walk out after the first thirty minutes. Meanwhile, the folks in Hollywood are patting themselves on the back for rewarding the worst movie of the year with the best movie award. Go figure!
1 Comment
Tom
I haven’t seen 7 days so no comment.
However, I disagree about The Shape of Water. I thought it was a very entertaining and clever love story with a sci fi twist. Certainly it was an adult movie but not all
movies I see must be made for children. Clearly you missed the point of the movie and your label as the worst is silly. I would have named 3 Billbords the best movie I saw. But different folks have different taste and that’s what makes the world go round.