FILM REVIEW - -" Monuments Men " - Wonderful Cast , great true story, a missed opportunity for a film that could have stood the test of time.  Usually , I am critical of films that are too long and poorly edited.  In this case, I wish there was move, much more.  The script gave this interesting group of talented actors just enough to tease the audience , to make us want to see more of their individual stories, then left us hanging without closure.   Forty more minutes to explore the theft of Jewish art collections, the entrance to a Nazi death camp,  Kate Blanchett's character, Rose Valland, arrested as a German sympathizer and her relationship with Matt Damon,  and battle scenes that put the "Men" in harms way.  Maybe the budget was too small, or the story too big to fit one sitting.  Maybe this subject could have been better dealt with as an HBO series or a three part made for TV Movie. One of the axioms of entertainment is to leave the audience wanting more.  But, when something could go from good to great, disappointment can set in.   Don't open a door and then not walk through it.
The acting is first rate, as this cast of characters each has a past body of work that sets them apart.  Each are given small moments to shine.  Comic scenes ease the tension but tense scenes never reach the height to grab the viewer. How much more could have been done with the Russian troops inching closer to a confrontation with the Monuments Men.   Another missed opportunity.   The finding and return of Art stolen by the German Army in World War Two is a story that needed to be told.  The sacrifice and bravery of these experts needed to be told.   They and their story deserved better.
Cast : George Clooney, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bill Murray, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville.  Directed by George Clooney.  Rated PG-13,  115 minutes EJ Rating **1/2

FILM REVIEW - "Jack Ryan : Shadow Recruit" - Disappointing, Good action film and Costner and Branagh always interesting on screen.  Poor casting of Chris Pine and Keira Knightley.   No chemistry between them and a missed opportunity for a complicated relationship.  Far fetched plot elements.

PG - 13    EJ rating 1 1/2 *     105 minutes