Well I went to see this today and I was very much looking forward to it simply going by the quality of its cast, the movie poster and the synopsis given in Rai's first post. I hadnt seen the trailer, so I was expecting something along the lines of Dad's Army going to war to pull an art heist. I hoped it would be something fun like The Sea Wolves, Kelly's Heroes, The Dirty Dozen, Where Eagles Dare etc.
And I would say it pretty much set out to be that sort of film.
But it doesnt succeed in entertaining anywhere near those movies I mentioned.
Its tone was mostly light hearted and breezy but I had problems with it, right from the first act. With all those vintage war films, I mentioned, we got an exposition on the characters. Here, nothing. The team is gathered literally in a montage right from the get go followed by a training/planning segment that was meant to entertain but just totally failed to engage me. That was a major problem because later on in the film there are several moments that tries to induce emotional responses but I couldn't connect, I felt nothing. I want to feel something, I wanted to really engage with these characters but by and large, the film wont let me
I hate to say it but much of it was very boring. Its meanders along without any sense of excitement, tension and when there are supposed to be thrills, they are first of all sign posted, then executed blandly culminating with a dampening pay off. It tries to be poetic at certain moments but again, I just don't feel it. Which is a crying shame because I absolutely love the story its telling. Brave old non-combat men (played by likeable ageing stars) entering the war zones with a sincere passion to protect the heritage art of Europe...come on what's not to like about that synopsis, it positively excites...yet, it doesn't, why?! It hurts to think of its missed opportunities.
So thank god for Cate Blanchett. She is the only actor/actress capable of elevating what is quite frankly a mediocre film into something more richer. There is a rapport between her and one of the main stars that really engaged me which even that was so botched up, nevertheless, was the highlight of the movie for me. That's all because of the the brilliance of this elite actress to transform her ordinary dialogue into a glass of the finest wine.
Clooney, Damon, Murray, Goodman, Bonneville and the French guy (whom I recognised from The Artist) are all likeable and turn on their charm to the full to overcome their limited material but ultimately, with the exception of Bonneville, they don't quite have the chops to compensate as well as Cate. I singled out Bonneville because his was the only character that I really got absorbed with and that is thanks to his ability to draw my attention and feelings. I really like this actor, even though I haven't seen him deviate much from his roles in Downtown Abbey and the 2012 Olympics satire.
I've been mostly negative so far because the film fails in so many areas, however it does still have its merits. The story is one. Its a wonderful story. Some "facts" are thrown about which very much intrigues me enough for me to investigate the real historical truth. The star power DOES help. If wasn't for them, the film would probably be even more flat. There are some moments that did actually shine including some some tense moments but none of that tension reaches any crescendo, it just tapers off. Finally, more importantly, despite all its flaws, the film does manage to drive successfully, the message of how important it was to try save the artwork.
What a shame, this could have been so much more. Its a worthy film with good intentions but it fails in too many areas and lacks proper structure.
Unlike the masterpiece art treasures our protagonists sets out to rescue, historians in the future should not even think of risking their lives to save this film reel.
6.5/10
