Date

February 7, 2014 Photo (038/365): "Date Night"

Friday night dinner & a movie: The Monuments Men "History's Greatest Treasure Hunt" 1000 years of European masterpieces stolen by the Nazis and recovered by brave soldiers and civilians dedicated to rescuing mankind's greatest achievements

On the surface, I like everything about this film: a great group of actors (George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jean Dujardin, Hugh Bonneville, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Cate Blanchett), beautiful art (by many of my favorite artists: DaVinci, Michelangelo, Monet, Renoir, Rodin...paintings and sculptures pillaged from museums, churches, and private homes throughout Europe), and scenes in Paris, Normandy, Bruges, Florence, and Germany. I am always drawn movies based on true stories, especially historical events; however this film lacked plot and character development, making it feel more like a documentary than a Hollywood blockbuster. Early in the film, the main characters scatter throughout Nazi-occupied Europe and the film quickly becomes disjointed. Just as I became acquainted with these men and women -- their struggles, their bravery, and their fear disguised in humor, the scenes changed and their presence was lost. There were glimpses of humanity juxtaposed against the chaos of war, but they were fleeting and left me wanting more.