In a race against time, a crew of art historians and museum curators unite to recover renown works of art stolen by Nazis before Hitler destroys it. (from MovieWeb.com)

When you think about inspiring and heart-wrenching tales from the devastating age of World War II and the reign of Adolf Hitler--a concept that should send chills down any free-born man or woman--one true story that hasn't been told very often has been that of a team called "The Monuments Men." These past-their-prime aged men were artists and art experts who were tasked to help locate and take back the thousands of pieces of art that Hitler had stolen from families (mostly Jewish families) to fill his very own Hitler Museum. Adolf's atrocities were far more despicable than stealing art, but those in The Monuments Men decided to risk their lives (and a couple gave them up) to rescue and preserve works of art that had been created at various points in history. While this definitely seems futile and pointless to some, others viewed it as a way of taking back their humanity, and trying to stop Hitler from destroying the history that mankind had worked so hard to create. This story has been brought to the big screen by way of actor/director George Clooney in the aptly titled The Monuments Men.

Originally slated for a Christmas 2013 release, The Monuments Men was pushed back to early 2014 and has since garnered a mostly unfavorable critical reception. Many have called it uneven or even "dull," while others questioned whether or not it's a story really worth any merit given how much bigger other sacrifices were during the war. But, as Clooney returns to directing and starring in a period piece (Leatherheads being another), he largely tries his hand at drama this time around. And, unfortunately, the film's biggest and most noticeable problem is in its pacing. The movie kind of plods along at a pretty slow pace as the viewer wonders when might these Monuments Men actually get to do something. However, the film actually ends up being pretty faithful to most classic age dramas of the very time period the movie takes place in. Much of the story revolves around setting up the film's finale, with the men searching out and trying to track down where Hitler may have stashed the priceless art pieces. It's the kind of film an Art History class or art buff might appreciate most, as there really isn't much action in the film. It lacks the fun of a normal "heist" film (like Clooney and Damon's Ocean's trilogy), but Clooney does inject plenty of personality into the characters that make them each fun to watch--especially if you're a fan of any one of the actors. The only thing he doesn't really do much of here, though, is provide much backstory for most of the characters. It's to the point where you're barely going to remember any of the characters' names by the end of the movie.

The movie's payoff at the end does redeem the sluggishness of the movie that precedes it, but the pacing will likely alienate most viewers who are more keen on action films or movies with quick cuts and lots happening. Perhaps it's a film that will improve with multiple viewings once the viewer knows what they're in for, but it's that first viewing that has proven surprisingly uneventful for the majority of moviegoers. The thing that helps The Monuments Men the most, however, is Clooney's committment to the authenticity and recreation of the time period and the acting quality of those involved. (I, however, cannot vouch for the historical accuracy of the story, though. The credits do make it clear that some factual liberties were taken for dramatic purposes.) In rounding up a batch of acclaimed talent, Clooney has assembled a dream team of reliable older actors who have all been acclaimed at some point in their careers. Together, they help bring this story to life and give it a little extra "oomph" to make up for its structural flaws. Some scenes do feel a little like filler, especially before you realize later what they were there for, but even the more frivolous scenes just help paint the picture of life during the war back then. Furthermore, these war vets and civilians who've been removed from the frontlines until this unit was put together are getting glimpses of the harsh reality of it all and the viewer begins to experience it through the eyes of these men.

The content for the film is definitely of the PG-13 nature, but it's on the ligther side than most PG-13's these days. However, we do see a lot of famous artwork with male and female nudity on them (statues and paintings) in a non-sensual way, and some war-related violence. The worst of the latter comes in the form of some blood on a few victims who are shot and then some blood on the aprons and hands of people in a medical tent at The Battle of The Bulge. The story does focus on the great loss suffered during the war, especially in these scenes. Finally, there is some language, mostly blasphemy actually, as well as some uses of the "S" word. And I have to add, there's a moment where one married man joins a woman (who's not his wife) for dinner and she then asks him to stay over at her place (to sleep with her), but he politely says he should leave and does. It was a refreshing thing to see portrayed in a film, especially in a time, currently, where most characters in a situation like that in most movies probably wouldn't pass that up.

The Monuments Men is a good war drama about a little-known story revolving around the major art thefts by Hitler's men in WWII. Director George Clooney does a good job putting together a fantastic cast and a wonderful, detailed visual backdrop, but has trouble finding the right mix of serious and fun to make the film as strong as it can be. If you don't mind a slowly-paced drama with great acting and a great appreciation of art, then please don't miss The Monuments Men. Those who find themselves a bit more picky and uninterested in such subject matter would do better to pass it up.

George Clooney's Mission (5:11) - Clooney, the crew and the actors talk about making the film and Clooney directing while starring in it too. Some highlights include Damon talking about how Clooney edits while filming, and hearing Balaban talk about the attention to historical details.

Marshalling The Troops (7:56) focuses on the central cast and we hear from all of them about what it was like to work on the film, including Bill Murray saying he'd hoped to be in it as soon as he heard about it. There's some really excellent B-roll, behind-the-scenes footage here too. It's obvious the cast all enjoyed working together and it does impact the film. (Note, there are two instances of unedited profanity: 1 "a**h*le, 1 "f*** you")