This film takes us behind the cameras of the ABC network sports department as they cover the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany. They scramble for coverage, as history was being made when Israeli athletes were held hostage by a terrorist group. We’re shown some of the machinations of broadcast production, like the fact that they were using film, which required processing before it could air and graphics that were created with analog white letters. The lack of modern communications also hindered their information, making their decisions of what to air even more complex. The performers, led by Peter Sarsgaard and John Magaro, are all solid and Tim Fehlbaum’s direction keeps the constant setbacks and developments interesting. Even with all these challenges, what’s ultimately lacking is a true sense of tension or earnest emotional involvement. This film plays out as a truly fascinating history lesson with a slide glance at the issues of media coverage. NOTE: There is a 12-minute Q&A with the director and cast after the movie. 
(3 / 5)
