Following Argo, Clooney and Heslov return with another historical drama infused with humour. At least on paper…

Dreadfully constructed setups make the “jokes” fall flat, with the incredible cast coasting, uninterested; it’s understandable given the repetitive, sanctimonious script that fails to earn an emotional payoff despite the best efforts of the cringeworthy, patronising score.

Character development is largely absent and Clooney’s bland direction does little to create drama or distinguish between events (how many times can you open a scene with a jeep driving through mud?); coupled to clumsy, confused editing, the film lacks any kind of comprehensible, engaging plot.

A homage to classic wartime adventures that shows no understanding of what made those films great; undeveloped characters and no clear narrative waste a fascinating story and profound theme. This is a monumental mess.

RATING: 2/5

INFORMATION

CAST: George Clooney, Matt Damon, John Goodman, Bill Murray, Bob Balaban, Cate Blanchett, Jean Dujardin

DIRECTOR: George Clooney

WRITER: George Clooney and Grant Heslov

SYNOPSIS: During WWII, a platoon of aging soldiers and art enthusiasts are charged with finding and returning thousands of artworks stolen by the Nazis.