The Monuments Men (2014)

Directed by: George Clooney
Country: USA / Germany

Movie Review: Probably George Clooney’s worst film so far, “The Monuments Men” surely won’t dignify the careers of its amazing cast, which includes Clooney himself, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman, Bill Murray, and Jean Dujardin. The film, based on Robert M.Edsel's book, tells the true adventures of a platoon assigned to rescue important pieces of art ready to be burned by Hitler’s forces during the WWII. The responsible for the mission, professor Frank Stokes (Clooney), soon started to bore me, during his first sentimental speech about the beauty and importance of the art. Visually the film reminded me some old war movies from the 50’s, but the story didn’t show any vitality or boldness to catch my attention. I was bored and more bored as the time was passing, to the point of being torpid by its dragging scenes, where the dangerous situations seem banal, and the banal ones seem interminable. The concept and execution adopted were as old as the monuments men to be glorified, and as consequence, anything fresh could be found in Clooney’s modest attempt to adapt effectively the cited book. The performances didn’t stand out (perhaps Blanchett was the exception) in this tedious experience marked by inexpressiveness, indifference, and a scattered narrative that pushed me away since an early stage. Mr. Clooney: next time we demand more endeavor in every aspects (humor included), since they are completely astray in the wasted "The Monuments Men".