Take George Clooney (the actor and the director) add Matt Damon, John Goodman and a pinch of Bill Murray and what do you get? An Oscar sure thing. Unfortunately The Monument’s Men wasn’t ready in time for award season so it got the early year release. The film is based on the true story of a group of soldiers tasked with saving classic art from the Nazis in World War II. The film has a bit of war time fighting, but it is a fresh take on a time that has been thoroughly explored throughout cinematic history.
The cast delivers exactly as you would expect them to. Oscar sweethearts Cate Blanchett and Jean Dujardin also feature through the star studded project and their ability to hold equal weight next to Clooney and Damon shows the script’s balance and depth. The film is a treasure hunt as a few specific pieces of art become the primary focus to drive the story forward. Looking through Clooney’s short list of directed features, it’s clear he has an eye to present moments of historic significance either through an authentic or fictitious lens. The Monument’s Men blends those two approaches using history to mold a story that differs vastly from the factual account.
The film isn’t afraid to get wordy as some scenes do last a bit long. A negative result to the large cast receiving balanced screen time is most of the supporting characters could use more developing. It has the look of a WWII film and the feel of one also, but the fresh elements give it a unique voice. Clooney and Dujardin in particular have looks that place them in the appropriate era seamlessly. I just wish Clooney would stop charming me in all of his roles. He’s just so dreamy.
Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.
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