Trailer Link

Release Date:

February 7, 2014

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “An unlikely World War II platoon are tasked to rescue art masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their owners.”

Poster: B-/ B

Review: It reminds me a bit of Inglourious Basterds, which isn’t a bad comparison, but it might lead to identity confusion and that won’t make the film a success.

(#2) It’s not much different than the first design, but they’ve classed up the design a bit and put in Cate Blanchett, probably to make the poster look like there’s some actual “romance” involved. Whether that sells tickets or not is a big question that I’m going to guess “no” as the answer to.

Trailer: B+ / B-

Review: The lack of substance in the trailer in favor of focusing on the humorous elements may get butts in seats, but it isn’t going to tell us whether the film has social or political relevance. I’ll admit that it has worked its magic on me, though I can the deficiencies for which it has the potential.

The first trailer make the film look like top tier George Clooney, something perhaps close to the same league as Good Night, and Good Luck. This second trailer makes it look like second-string Clooney, a humorous trifle that doesn’t have a lot of spark or wit.

Oscar Prospects:

George Clooney has an uneven track record with the Oscars. Good Night, and Good Luck. went over big with the Oscars. Leatherheads wasn’t even in the conversation and The Ides of March was thought to be a competitor, but ultimately collapsed after it was seen. The Monuments Men looks more like something the Academy would love compared to his two prior outings, which could be a benefit, but the critics will ultimately tell us whether he has a chance or not once the movie is seen.

Revisions:

(August 11, 2013) Original
(October 20, 2013) New Trailer / New Poster
(February 2, 2014) New Poster (#2) Updated Release Date (changed from 12/18/13)