Movie spotlight
Checkpoint
"Machsom", the Hebrew word for "Checkpoint", tells the story of Yaniv Greenblatt, a barely 19 Israeli soldier stationed at one of the most dangerous such checkpoints along the West Bank. He would like to be a pacifist and struggles to be fair to the Palestinians, but has to contend with the prying eyes of his superiors. The problems Yaniv faces at home are no easier. His mother is a wheelchair bound hard-right-winger due to the same terrorist attack that killed her husband. The story centers on Yaniv's relationship with his younger brother, Avi, who attends one of the few mixed Jewish-Arab schools in Israel, and builds towards an incident at the checkpoint that challenges all involved to reconsider their previous resolve.
Insights
Plot Summary
When a group of American mercenaries are ambushed and captured while on a mission in the Middle East, they find themselves in a desperate fight for survival. Held captive in a remote location, they must rely on their training and each other to escape before they are executed. The film follows their harrowing ordeal as they attempt to outwit their captors and make it back home.
Critical Reception
Checkpoint (2013) received a mixed to negative reception from critics and audiences. It was largely overlooked due to its limited release and was often criticized for its unoriginal plot and derivative action sequences. Some viewers noted its straightforward, no-frills approach to the action-thriller genre.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its attempts at gritty realism in its action sequences.
Criticized for a predictable plot and lack of character development.
Often deemed a generic entry in the military action subgenre.
Google audience: Audience reception information for 'Checkpoint (2013)' is not widely available on Google. Those reviews that are present tend to echo critical sentiments, finding the film to be an unremarkable action movie.
Fun Fact
The film was shot in and around Shreveport, Louisiana, doubling for a Middle Eastern setting.
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