Film Forum

Episode Recap

Episode 5

2/7/06

Films Reviewed: Glory Road and Munich

Commentary: Director Steven Spielberg

Featurette: Behind the scenes of Munich

Regarding Glory Road:

Matt: Basketball movies are a dime a dozen and the cliches never change. However, this film about the true story of the Texas Western basketball program in the 1960s hits all the right notes. The movie probably would have been better if we got to know the athletes a little more than the coach, but I liked it a lot better than last year’s basketball film, Coach Carter. Three stars.

Aron: Josh Lucas got his start playing high school and college students. He now comes full circle and plays the teacher/coach. Thankfully, his performance is commanding without being too powerful and the basketball sequences are well made. It’s mostly safe for families, but those college kids can get kind of crazy. Three stars from me as well.

Average Rating: *** (out of ****)

Regarding Munich:

Aron: I did not realize that Eric Bana, late of Hulk and Troy fame, was playing the lead in Steven Spielberg’s newest film. His performance was spot on about the steps Israel takes to avenge the death of eleven Israeli athletes after their deaths in the 1972 title games. More revenge picture than political statement, and that’s just fine with me. Three stars.

Matt: Yeah! I have to agree with what Aron said. Granted, I did realize that it was Eric Bana playing the lead role, but I was very glad that Steven Spielberg made a movie for the sake of making a movie and not making a political statement. The final third really takes its time getting somewhere, but definitely see it. Three stars from me as well.

Average Rating: *** (out of ****)

Commentary:  Believe it or not, Aron and Matt have never had a commentary about the works of Steven Spielberg as a director. Here, A & M try to rectify that with his films about Aliens, Adventurers, World War II and Airports.

Featurette: Behind the scenes of Munich