Okay, but wanted more

Rating: 4/10 (17 March 2014)

I went to see this movie a few weeks ago and have been thinking about writing this review. I was struck by a number of things and wanted to make sure I got it right when talking about it. So often we hear about war, the lives that are sacrificed and the horrible conditions, among other things. The picture that this film paints is very different from other war films. It's about what makes up people's history and culture: beautiful pieces of art work collected and preserved during World War II.
The film is based on a true story about a platoon that is tasked with rescuing art work that has been stolen by the German army at Hitler's demand. Seven men are given this task by FDR - to go behind enemy lines and find these treasures. The art work had been confiscated from museums to home collections, pieces that include the Mona Lisa, the Madonna and Child, and several other works of art. As the war is coming to a close these men must go into very dangerous places, knowing Hitler has given the order to destroy everything if something were to happen to him or if the Nazis lose the war. So they are running against the clock.
George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murry, John Goodman. Jean, Dujardin, Hugh Bonneville, and Bob Balaban are the seven Monuments Men. They are in no way skilled military men, but rather museum directors, curators, and art historians. In order for them to be "enlisted" into the military they must attend basic training, and that in itself is hysterical. But these are men that love art and risk everything to get it back to the rightful owners. Cate Blanchett rounds out a very male driven cast, playing Clare Simon, a woman working in a office run by the German army but part of the resistance.
The screen play written by George Clooney and Grant Heslov (Argo) is decent; I would have enjoyed a little more character development. Were this supposed to be driven around the characters and the sacrifice they made, I am not completely invested in any of the characters.They are really one dimensional and to be honest don't leave any lasting impression. The acting is good, you would expect no less. Not a lot is shown of the German army / Nazis and when they are on screen they are portrayed more laughable then soldiers. This is a story that has a lot of heart and sacrifice that could have been told a little better. It's a movie worth seeing, just not in the theater.