During World War 2, Hitler was determined to collect priceless art pieces for himself and the Fuhrer Museum he envisioned after he succeeded in conquering the world. Frank Stokes (George Clooney) decides to stop this from happening and to keep these artifacts from becoming collateral damage during the war. He puts together an unlikely team of art experts that has to go through basic training and be deployed to key areas where some of these most prized pieces are. These men are determined and have a passion for their mission. And they are driven by the idea that Frank Stokes put so well: "If you destroy (man's) achievements, their history, it's like they never existed."

Reading this plot, that's based on true events, and seeing the talent involved, I was giddy as a ... manly man... to see this movie. The trailer screamed Oscar contender. The cast consists of fan and critic favourites like Bill Murray, Matt Damon, John Goodman, just to name a few, and they are lead by George Clooney, not only in front of the camera, but also in the driving seat of Director. Considering all these facts, I was baffled when I walked out of the theatre, totally disappointed, bored, and wishing I stayed at home to watch reruns of 'Would I lie to you?' on BBC.

This was a fail of monumental proportions. Ok, I'm sorry for forcing that word play into the sentence... but I really was very disappointed. I never felt engaged or emotionally involved in the story. At times it was almost dramatic, almost funny and quirky, almost touching... almost. It never quite lived up to the potential the story and actors had to offer.

It was great to see Jean Dujardin on screen again (and in a speaking role) after I enjoyed him so much in The Artist, and secretly being a massive fan of Downton Abbey, I was eager to see Hugh Bonneville outside of Downton. And I will always be fans of John Goodman and Bill Murray. Then there's Bob Balaban, one of those actors who you never know his name, but you always recognise him and love his characters. Throw in Cate Blanchett who is always stunning, and two of Hollywood's most favourite actors, George Clooney and Matt Damon, and you should be able to make an incredibly enjoyable film, regardless of plot. And though all of them deliver great performances, even without trying, I never felt connected in these men. Thinking back, I can't remember any character's name, back story, why they where chosen to be on the team. Nothing.

Maybe the running time wasn't enough and maybe the story was too heavy in substance that they couldn't invest in the characters, but then again, these men form such a big part in the plot, you have to latch on to them in order for the incredible story to hit you right in the heart muscle. And that is where The Monuments Men failed. This was supposed to be the Ocean's 11 of World War 2, but with much more substance and heart, and in the end we are left with a film that you wished you rather re-watched Ocean's 11,12 or 13. At least they were entertaining.

I found the film to be disjointed and difficult to follow, and it was always on the brink of being funny, or dramatic, or even romantic, but it never committed. The cinematography was by the numbers, and the music at times odd and too much Disney for the film. The movie didn't have any focus, and just when there was some kind of focus, I was so out of the story I didn't even bother. Saving Private Ryan, one of the best films ever, succeeded so well in retelling a World War 2 film. Probably the most realistic depiction of World War 2, and amidst all the mayhem and heartache, the film was grounded in a couple of men, that you were totally invested in, and them searching for a missing person. The Monuments Men lacked focus. I wish it was an half an hour longer, even an hour longer. That would have made a world of difference. They kept me wanting, and not in a good way. Deep down, I hope and pray there is a director's cut somewhere that we would be able to see in the future. I desperately wanted to love this film , but they just didn't give me enough to love. A story like this, a piece of our history, a piece of beautiful history in our world's most devastating hour, deserved a better retelling.