Checkout, directed by Jonathan Dekel, is a spoof on a spy thriller. Our hero, Dov, is an American who has become a Mossad agent, and as he is retiring soon, he is hanging around a hotel in Istanbul. Surprisingly, a hardened terrorist checks in with his girlfriend. After Dov fingers the terrorist, he is supposed to step aside and let the experienced operatives take over. But he is looking for a last hurrah, and he gets involved in the dirty field world. Needless to say, thereby ensues a lot of over-the-top scenes of bumbling idiots falling over each other!
It is interesting to note that it becomes apparent that the Mossad agents have a lonely life. It is sad to see that Dov has a daughter, back home in Israel, who resents his work and his constant travel. Also, he is unable to pursue a romantic attraction due to his line of work.
The narrative structure of the film is what is so striking. As Dov has been called in
by a commission of inquiry, we watch as members of the commission follow him
around as he is retelling and re-enacting the whole story. It makes for great side comments and comic
relief.
The film can’t quite decide if it is a thriller or a
farce. Does it do either one well? Not so sure.
Checkout (2024) is distributed by Go2Films.
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