Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fact-based adventure with a few bloody battle scenes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Monuments Men
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say that while some viewers found the film enjoyable for highlighting lesser-known WWII heroes and its historical significance, others considered it slow, confusing, and poorly executed despite a strong cast and important themes. The mix of comedy with serious subject matter left some viewers disappointed, and while it carries valuable messages, the pacing and plot structure hindered its overall impact for many.
- history significance
- strong cast
- pacing issues
- comedy tone
- violence portrayal
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
As World War II raged in Europe, Hitler and his generals systematically plundered the greatest artworks of Western civilization, sending millions of paintings, statues, and other valuable pieces back to Germany. Based on a true story, MONUMENTS MEN stars (and is directed by) George Clooney as Frank Stokes, a historian who leads his team (dubbed the Monuments Men), a special unit assigned to find and protect the stolen art. The all-star cast includes Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman, and Bill Murray as scholars-turned-soldiers who brave the battlefields in search of lost treasure.
Is It Any Good?
The Monuments Men is jaunty, lively and yes, entertaining, and will appeal to teens who are fans of the big-name actors and enjoy an exciting mix of peril and adventure. Bill Murray and John Balaban might have smaller parts, but they're fantastic as treasure hunters, and deserve their own spin-off.
Nonetheless, the movie subverts its mission of convincing the audience that saving art is a big enough story to keep them engaged. Its tone is dissonant -- irreverent, yet serious. Perhaps it's not serious enough, because this mix almost makes it seem as if the filmmakers had doubts about convincing the audience about the seriousness of their endeavor -- Clooney's character, Stokes, makes speeches directly addressing this -- and hedged their bets by trying to be both tongue-in-cheek and earnest. The denouement feels flimsy, the big quest doesn't feel as weighty as it should. Plus, the film lacks a strong narrative arc, moving the action by following the unit from one point to the other while failing to build up any serious stakes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the moral issue that comes up in the movie. Do you think it's worth sacrificing a your life to protect a piece of art? What value does art bring to society and culture?
What do you think the world would be life if the Monuments Men had failed, and so much irreplaceable art was lost forever?
What's the tone of the movie? Are we supposed to take the men seriously? What would have made this movie better?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 7, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : May 20, 2014
- Cast : Cate Blanchett , George Clooney , Matt Damon
- Director : George Clooney
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , History
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some images of war violence and historical smoking
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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