14 DAY TRIAL // With a cast made up mostly of prominent actors who have proven their valor numerous times, with a script based on a best-selling novel, with stories of treachery and adventure during the Second World War in Nazi Germany and with plenty of dark humor, “Monuments Men” was billed by many as a guaranteed hit.
However, at the moment, initial reviews speak of the exact opposite, a resounding failure on what should have been a memorable film. While on their own, most performances by the actors involved, which include Matt Damon, John Goodman, Kate Blanchett and Bill Murray, as a whole, they lack the cohesion needed to weave a credible tale.
The movie has been rated rather unfavorably on Rotten Tomatoes, at a measly 29%, making it a solid “rotten” production. The New York Times has deemed that “Because Mr. Clooney can't figure out what kind of story this is, he too often slips into pandering mode, including in his own performance, which is filled with too many smiles and speeches.”
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal takes a few hits at the movie's musical score “Alexandre Desplat's intrusive score keeps telling us what mood we should be in. Moods change from moment to moment, though, and not only in the action sequences.”
The movie did receive quite a promotional campaign, which touted the star-filled cast, but also played on the story very much. However, despite the best efforts to push the production in the box office, it looks like George Clooney has somewhat of a flop on his hands.
Some have alleged that Clooney was aware of the inferior quality of the film, which is why he delayed the release to escape being included in this year's Oscars. His bet is that by the time the 2015 Oscars are announced, people will have mostly forgotten about his “Monuments Men.”
However, these are all suppositions at the moment. The final verdict will be given once the movie hits theaters and box office figures start coming in.