At the Movies – February 2014 – Part 3: Most Anticipated Films

Must-See of the Month:

The Monuments Men (George Clooney) – War Drama – Feb 7

Plot Summary: As WWII was coming to a close in Europe, the Nazi army retreating on all fronts, a team of specialists is assembled to try and save the art masterpieces that the Nazis had stolen during the war with the plans of destroying them. It will be a difficult mission, as these men are not really soldiers, but to find the art they will need to go right up to the front. Filmmakers: This is writer-director George Clooney’s fifth feature film, coming off his best to date The Ides of March (some like Good Night, and Good Luck. too but I think it is very overrated, and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind has its moments, while Leatherheads is just plain bad). He is working again with writing partner Grant Heslov, composer Alexandre Desplat, cinematographer Phedon Papamichael, and production designer James Bissell. Cast: Clooney also stars in the film with a great ensemble supporting him: Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Hugh Bonneville, and Bob Balaban. Expectations: Originally, The Monuments Men was slated as a strong competitor in the race for Best Picture, but 2013 proved to be too strong a year and thus Columbia Pictures pushed it to 2014. I also have the sneaking suspicion that it is also not the amazing film that the cast, crew, and expectation might dictate it be. February is a very weak month for movies (just ahead of January – unless you consider carryover expansion-releases from December, then it is weaker than January), and thus what would probably not be a must-see in any other month ends up being the film with the most potential. It is not necessarily a must for theater-viewing, but I think it is a strong candidate for rental. The cast alone makes it worth a look. Trailer: Here.