Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'The Monuments Men'
You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.
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SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews "The Monuments Men," George Clooney's latest directorial effort about a group of men (Clooney, Matt Damon, John Goodman, and Bill Murray) that goes into enemy Nazi territory during WWII to reclaim stolen artwork.
KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:
Jan Wahl Movie Reviews: The Monuments Men
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THE MONUMENTS MEN (PG-13) 118 min
From "Judgment at Nuremberg" (1961) to "Schindler's List"(1993), movies are often at their best when they illuminate history and social issues. As I left the screening of "Monuments Men," people discussed not knowing about this true story of bravery and defiance—now they do and that already makes this film a success. In the film, an unlikely World War II platoon is asked by the U.S. government to go into Germany and rescue art masterpieces from Nazi thieves. From Michelangelo to da Vinci, from Matisse to Picasso, Nazis led by Hitler and Goering stole from Jewish collectors, and churches determined to destroy the greatest art if they lost the war.
George Clooney used his clout to get this movie made, and I hope he continues to do this kind of meaningful work. It's not a great film; it's choppy and so loose at times that it feels like a rough cut—exposition is often missing. But this is a remarkable story and a terrific cast. It's well worth seeing to learn about the past and give us heroes worth celebrating.
Three hats.
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