Based on true events, directed by George Clooney (“The Descendants,” “Ides of March,” “Up in the Air”) and starred by A-list cast (Clooney, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin), “The Monuments Men” is a World War II drama shot from a unique angle; art scholars in search for priceless artifacts, historical and cultural treasures stolen and hidden by the Nazis.
However, instead of letting the audience invested in their journey, we don't know any of these characters. They're not recognized by their specialties, we don't know why they're picked, why they're paired off, split up or reunite in their sojourn.
It could have been a dramatic story where the stakes are high and the team is racing against the clock to locate and protect these masterpieces. And lives lost in an effort to preserve our cultural heritage, which represent human existence and society's way of life, and thus worth saving for future generations.
Instead, the film plods from one scene to another without any real direction, underlined by a jovial tone. The comedic snippets are entertaining enough, but that's not what the film should be remembered for.
“The Monuments Men” feels like a monumentally wasted opportunity.
http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/movie-reviews-winters-tale-and-the-monuments-men/
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