"The Monuments Men" Review

George Clooney is an interesting subject. He's been at the top, he's been in Batman & Robin. He's been declared sexiest man alive by both women AND men. He can effectively pull double, triple, and occasionally quadruple duty on his films. The Ides of March was a thought-filled political endeavor in which Clooney was able to write a brilliant script, get the most out of his cast, and even play a magnificently devious supporting role. His latest film The Monuments Men isn't exactly up to the standard that he has set for himself in the past.

In the closing stages of World War II, Lieutenant Frank Stokes assembles a team to protect and recover works of art and monuments that have been stolen or lay in the path of the Nazis destruction as allied forces push them back towards Germany. They must also race against the Russian army who wishes to keep the art as tokens of repayment for the lives they've lost.

World War II was one of the most violent and dramatic conflicts in recorded history. Unfortunately, what Clooney has done is powdered a jovial dust to make much of the film light-hearted and fun. Not that it isn't entertaining, but inappropriate given much of the violence that he has also chosen to depict. Comedies can and have been made about World War II, such as Inglourious Basterds. But from the onset, they were meant to be comedies. When a military drama puts a little too much humor in it's formula, it simply feels out of place.

For the drama that is what it's meant to be, it is remarkably touching. The lengths that these men were  willing to go to preserve history is rather endearing. For the amount of comedy that Clooney has written, he did manage to give the movie some heart and make you feel for the characters. One particular scene involving Bill Murray, Bob Balaban, and a phonograph carries a significant amount of weight, and will absolutely tug at your heartstrings.

For his acting role in the film, Clooney does what he does best. He lays down his charm, smooth talks his way through sticky situations, and inspires confidence in his men. Say what you will about the man, he does have charm coming out of every orifice.

The entire cast plays to their strengths too, each imbedding their characters with a certain amount of emotion and heart. Matt Damon gives off the smooth player vibe that can either cause trouble or worm him an advantage. John Goodman plays the reluctant out of shape man, who will of course rise to the challenge. Bob Balaban is the quiet reserved man who pulls through when it's needed. Jean Dujardin is the slick Frenchman who may not know much about fighting, but is brilliant enough to play smart (Good to see Clooney doesn't harbor ill will about losing Best Actor to him in 2011). Cate Blanchett is the outsider who doesn't want anything to do with anyone, but is still a lasting symbol of female empowerment.

But if there is one man who rises above all as Andrew's Standout, it is Bill Murray. He can make you cry without even changing his face. His mere eyes can create a lasting impression that brilliantly exudes emotion. He is funny when it calls for it, stern when it needs to be, and more than anything, he is the heart of this movie.

The Monuments Men is your average World War II movie, that doesn't really stay within it's tone. But it still deserves a look.

B-