This movie had little monument worth. It was an alright art film. Bit mediocre.

Rating: 6/10 (9 May 2014)

After reading the non-fiction book, The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History, by Robert M. Edsel. I found the movie directed by George Clooney to be disappointing. It didn't help that it was loosely based off the book. The film follows an allied group known as the Monuments Men leaded by Frank Stokes (George Clooney) whom job is to find and save pieces of art and other culturally important items before their destruction by Hitler during World War II. I didn't hate the movie, but I didn't find it, the best. It was just a little boring. Honestly, nothing major happens in the film, until 40 minutes in. Barely any action in this film. The movie reminds me of a badly done Old School WWII film. The soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat sounds similar to 'The Great Escape', but it just doesn't have the same charm. All the great characters actors here, are so mellow down, here, as if not flesh out. If you're not going to put that much action in the film, at less, have some interesting comedy from interesting characters. After all, you have some of the great comedians there like Bill Murray & John Goodman. There were only a few scenes that gave me, small chuckles, but overall, not that funny. They also try to make it emotional. Like understanding how are we supposed to felt for Bill Murray's character, when we haven't been establish that he had kids in the opening. How are we supposed to feel emotional about their deaths if they die such a silly way. For being smart people who know about art. They do a lot of stupid mistakes, and end up, getting themselves killed. I know, they weren't made to be soldiers, but gees, they really look way out of place, here. There was a good scene where Frank Stokes interrogation a Nazi, but it's really doesn't help the plot, go along. They even try to make a love sub-plot between James Granger (Matt Damon) and Claire Simone (Cate Blanchet), they brutal it as well. You could had got a great story out of these two characters, but it's probably the worst part in the film. Its feel poorly structured. Honestly, this movie would had work better, if it was a min-series, because the various errands need more time to explore, so you can find it a bit more interesting. Although the film is based on real events, the names of all characters are changed, and a number of further adjustments to the historical facts were made in the interests of drama. Honestly, the source material of the book isn't that boring, there were a lot of stories to work out with. About historical accurate, it's a mixed, the movie state out the Monument Men was form after the bombing in Monte Cassino in 1944. In fact, its origins actually went back to British efforts in Libya in 1942, and it already existed when the Allies invaded Sicily in July 1943. The film's main characters of the unit number only eight. In reality, the program consisted of 400 men. Once again, they could add a lot more story to the film. Another thing is the misunderstanding of the Nero Decree. The Decree did not mention archives or art at all. In fact Hitler specifically ordered that all the art be left to German museums upon his death. It was mostly a 'scorched earth' campaign where destroying anything that might be useful to the enemy while advancing through or withdrawing from an area. Paintings are not really useful during a battle. Also, if your children happen to say 'Heil Hitler' doesn't always mean that they're Nazis. Every German was forced to say it at the time, despite what belief, they had. This film is a clear Hollywood History dramatization of the story and anyone who wants to see a film for an accurate account should see the 2006's Documentary, The Rape of Europa which tells the story better. Also check out, John Frankenhemer's 1969 film, 'The Train' that tells a similar plot. Overall: the film was alright, but don't be surprise if you find yourself snoozing or multi-tasking through bits of the film. It will do that, to you.