The Monuments Men - Not what you might expect, but worth a look - 2.5 stars

Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing on an unlikely World War II platoon, tasked by FDR with going into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners. The art is trapped behind enemy lines, and with the German army under orders to destroy everything as the Reich fell, how could these guys - seven museum directors, curators, and art historians, all more familiar with Michelangelo than the M-1 - possibly hope to succeed? But as the Monuments Men, as they were called, found themselves in a race against time to avoid the destruction of 1000 years of culture, they would risk their lives to protect and defend mankind's greatest achievements. Written by Sony Pictures Entertainment

It is not a masterpiece itself, but a good story about saving workers of art during WWII

With a cast like George Clooney, Matt Damon, John Goodman, Cate Blanchett and Bill Murray, I went in with expectations of a comedic telling of history. The Monuments Men is a historical telling of a portion of World War II that most of us were not aware happened. It is not a comedic laugh fest and that is a good thing. 

This was an entertaining telling of history, with some comedic bits. The pace was dangerously slow, but it made for an intriguing tale. Do not go expecting groundbreaking film making, but it was an entertaining docudrama.

Direction, Acting & Storyline: 4 stars

Clooney as actor/director spins a good tale of history. The film has a throw back feel to the war films of the ‘40s. The acting, the pace, the look all felt it was a honour to the film making of that era. Modern audiences may not enjoy the pace and watching some of the best comedic actors from this generation being dramatic, but it is worth a look. The direction does not convey George was trying to make a comedy, but more a telling of an interesting story with good acting. 

Visual Effects: 2 stars

You cannot appreciate the visual effects until the end of the film. Once you see the footage from the actual events during the credits, it makes you appreciate how Clooney was able to capture the actual locations in history. The visual effects were not earth shattering, but convincing as a World War II drama.

Family Component: 3 stars

This is a wartime period film. It has the realities of death and the holocaust in the storyline, but nothing that would make me pause to recommend this to anyone over the age of 10. 

God Component: 2 stars

There is no mention of God in the film, but you cannot help but notice that most of the artefacts and locations were Biblical in nature. Great churches, great pieces of art and the artists show the value of the Bible stories. The majority of the great monuments that are the focus in the film were of Christ's life. Not to stretch the connection too far, it may make someone consider how important the stories are for history and art. 

Overall Rating: 2.5 stars

The Monuments Men was engaging and entertaining story. It was well acted and directed. The film has the pacing of some of the great dramas of the past. Is it a masterpiece? No. Is it worth seeing? Sure. 

Written by Russell Matthews @ Russelling Reviews