A Real Monument.

Rating: 7/10 (5 May 2015)

The Monuments Men (2014): Dir: George Clooney / Cast: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jean Dujardin, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray: The message regards the restoration of art both in its retrieval from Nazi Germany and within the memories of those who created it. The ensemble cast is led by George Clooney and he is joined by several others referring to themselves as the Monument Men. They travel to Paris and throughout Germany to track down various art and many wonder whether the risk is worth it. Interesting concept but extremely repetitious and not as action oriented as it may first appear. George Clooney previously directed such gems as The Ides of March and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. This is not on par with those films but its humour and historical themes add interest. The first issue is that the ensemble consists mainly as types as oppose to personalities. While Clooney is successful behind the camera, in front his leading role is bland and uninteresting. Matt Damon has his moments as a recruit whose French is called into question more than once. Cate Blanchett also has moments as a contact whose brother was murdered attempting to move and hide art. Damon is sent to gain her assistance as to where other hidden art lie. The rest is a great cast but characters that are less interesting than the art they are attempting to find. Even Bill Murray and Bob Balaban attempt a comic double act that doesn't quite pay off. It presents a worthy theme in terms of art and culture and the legacy it leaves behind but for Clooney it doesn't monument as one of his best. Score: 7 / 10