Darkest Hour will probably win Gary Oldman an Oscar

Movie Title:  
DARKEST HOUR based on the book:

Darkest Hour: How Churchill Brought England Back from the Brink

Grade:  A-

Rating: PG-13, 2 hours 5 minutes

In a Nutshell:   With a fascinating protagonist like Winston Churchill, you can hardly go wrong.  

Gary Oldman gives a fantastic performance, the best of his career, and will likely be nominated for an Oscar and probably a win.

 

Uplifting theme: 

• Director Joe Wright explained at the Paris Theater premiere in New York City that this is a film about resistance.
• “Conquer we must, as conquer we shall!” – Winston Churchill
• Strength, courage, tenacity

Things I liked:

• I toured Winston Churchill’s War Room underground in London a couple of years ago and was in awe.  It’s a tourist must for history buffs and fans of Winston Churchill’s leadership.
• I love Lily James in anything.  She’s so lovely and talented and beautiful.
• Kristin Scott Thomas is always wonderful.  What a clever woman Clementine Churchill had to be to handle her husband, and all while gracefully wearing pearls.  It makes you wonder how much more you could do with your life if you had someone like Clementine cheering you on.
• A reminder that even the lowest worker in the ministry played an important role in winning the war.
• Some subtle humor and entertaining dialogue
• There is mention of Dunkirk.  Want to know more about that part of World War II?  Watch the compelling movie and read my movie review of Dunkirk here.
• I loved the subway scene.
• Thrilling speeches that give you rich context to their inspired words.

Things I didn’t like:

• It’s a bit slow and stodgy.
• Sadly, Sir John Hurt died during the filming.  The film was dedicated to him.

Funny lines:

• Be yourself.” – Clementine

“Which self would you like me to be?” – Winston Churchill

• “Are we terribly old?” – Clementine

“Yes, I’m afraid you are.” – Winston

• “Will you stop interrupting me while I am interrupting you?!” – Winston
• “So, this is the Underground!” – Winston when he rides the London Tube for the first time.
• “How old is he?” – Winston, while looking at a baby

“5 months.  He looks like you!” – mother on the subway

“All babies look like me.” - Winston

Interesting lines:

• “It must be late there for you.” – US President on a phone call

“In more ways than you could possibly know.” – Winston

• “You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth!” – Winston
• “You are strong because you are imperfect.  You are wise because you have doubts.” – Clementine
• “Lost causes are the only ones worth fighting for.” - Winston
• "Success is not final.  Failure is not fatal.  It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston

Tips for parents: 

• Children will be bored out of their minds.
• Some profanity.

@trinaboice 

Thank you for your service presents sobering reality for American veterans

Movie Title: 
Thank You for Your Service

Grade:   B

Rating: R, 108 minutes

In a Nutshell:   I was curious about this film, because I have proudly shouted the titled words to soldiers passing by in the airport or wherever I see them in uniform. 

As a mother of a son in the Army, this movie was sobering, frustrating, and even infuriating.

While we have seen this subject matter done before in other movies, it’s still worth reminding the American public that our vets deserve much better than they’re currently getting.  They need support when they return from war and they should not be afraid to ask for help when they desperately need it.

I taught at a local college for 5 years where I had many vets in my classes.  Some did great, but many of them really struggled and, honestly, some were messed up.  They all deserve thanks from a grateful nation, but even better, they need practical help.

Although the movie didn’t mention it, you should check out the 22 Day Pushup Challenge that raises awareness for veterans suffering with PTSD.  A friend of mine recently participated.  On Day 1, he couldn’t even do a single push-up.  He finished strong on Day 22.  The movie DID mention that 20 vets commit suicide every day.  The actual number is now 22.  It’s a sobering, real problem that deserves our public outrage and action.

I would have liked to see a call to action at the end of the movie, like a web site or phone number where we could go to have our voice heard.  Allow me to give you that call to action.   Contribute to organizations that offer support to vets.  Write to your legislators today.

Uplifting theme: 

• “You live.  That’s how you honor him.” – Amanda Doster (Amy Schumer)
• "Every day I wake up, I'm grateful." - Michael Adam Emory (Scott Haze)

Things I liked:

• It appears to be very realistic.
• I was surprised to see comedienne Amy Schumer in it, especially playing a very serious wife of a fallen soldier.  I was super impressed to learn that she donated all of the money she earned for her role in the movie to several army war vet foundations.
• The cast did a very good job and features Miles Teller, Haley Bennett, Beulah Koale, Scott Haze, Joe Cole.
• I liked the way the movie doesn't tell you exactly what happened to this unit in Iraq all at once, but fills in the puzzle pieces as the film unfolds.
• Shania Twain sings the feature song Soldier.  I've always been such a fan of her music and think she's gorgeous.

Things I didn’t like:

• Sooooo much profanity. 
• It kind of makes vets look like a bunch of rednecks.
• While the Veterans Administration does a lot of good, this film is a scathing condemnation of the ridiculous red tape that exists in the government organization that should be there for our vets.  Incompetent bureaucracy gets in the way of providing timely support.
• I felt more angry than tearful.

Interesting lines:

• “You don’t see the bomb unless they want you to.  You sense it.” – Adam Schumann (Miles Teller)
• “We’re having a baby.” – Solo (Beulah Koale)

“That’s great!  You’ll have a new unit.” –   Linda Sanders (Allison King)

Tips for parents: 

• Very bloody and gory.  People die.
• TONS of profanity, including TONS of F-bombs.
• Sex scene (clothes on) and talk of sexual acts.
• Racial slurs, including the “N” word.
• Full nudity of the back side of a lady.
• Bloody, vicious dog fight.
• Drug use and other illegal activities
• Violent war scenes
• It’s pretty depressing.

If you enjoyed this movie, you'll also like: 

The Hurt Locker

American Sniper

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Dunkirk immerses you in war from the first scene to the last

Movie Title:  Dunkirk

Grade:  A-

Rating:   PG-13, 107 minutes

In a Nutshell:  I write marketing reports for movie theaters and have felt terrible for Dunkirk the past few months, because their trailers almost always elicited ZERO response from the audiences.  Well, audiences are speaking VERY loudly now.  They LOVE Christopher Nolan’s newest film, Dunkirk, based on the true WWII story.

If you can see it in 70mm on an IMAX, do it.  Christopher Nolan went to great lengths to make sure that his movie was as accurate as possible.  The details are impressive. With thousands of Extras on the beach, this film is epic.

The director’s goal was to create an immersive experience.  That it is.

Uplifting theme: 

• “Hope is a weapon. Survival is victory.”
• Human resolve

Things I liked:

• With real planes, real locations, and hundreds of Extras.  Everything looked and FELT real.
• Technically, it is awe-inspiring.  Do I smell an Oscar?
• Hans Zimmer's sound track is explosive and riveting, filled with intensity almost the entire time. Zimmer used Christopher Nolan's watch to get the ticking sound that fills the movie.
• I really liked the trailer tagline: “When 400 soldiers couldn’t get home, home came for them.”
• Teenage girls and fans of One Direction will be thrilled to watch Harry Styles as Alex.
• I love Oscar winner Mark Rylance in everything he does.  I especially loved him in Bridge of Spies DVD and thought he was adorable in The BFG (Theatrical Version).
• SPOILER:  I LOVED what Peter (Tom Glynn-Carney) did for Cillian Murphy’s character at the end.  I would hope that my 4 sons would have that kind of character and compassion.  That small moment was extremely touching for me.
• I know a water scene is good when it makes me hold my breath.
• Rather than focus on big battle movements, the film takes it to a personal level and shows you how war affects the individual.

Things I didn’t like:

• You don’t really get to know any of the characters and develop a strong connection.  The film’s action reminded me of Saving Private Ryan, yet that film carried so much more weight and emotional pull on my heart because of the character development.  It's my all-time favorite war movie. You’re not given any backstories in this film, however, and there are no quiet scenes where characters talk about their lives.
• Because of everyone’s thick accents, you can’t understand everything that’s said. I probably missed a good 20% of the dialogue.
• I thought it was interesting that Tom Hardy would want a role like this.  He played Farrier, a pilot whose face was completely covered almost the entire time. He only had 10 lines during the entire movie.
• My 17 year old son, surprisingly, said he thought the movie was a little slow. The film runs almost in real time. 
• SPOILER:  We see only a few small boats coming to the rescue, but in reality, the number was closer to 700.  Nolan used 50 boats on the water, which is actually more than used in any other film.
• I wish I could have seen a map to better understand where everything was located.  Here’s one:

• 

Interesting lines:

• “He’s shell-shocked George.  He’s not himself.  He may never be himself again.” – Mr. Dawson (Mark Rylance)
• “Well done.” – old, blind British man

“All we did was survive.” – Tommy (Fionn Whitehead)

“That’s enough.” – old guy

• “There’s no hiding from this, son.” – Mr. Dawson
• “What do you see?” – Colonel Winnant (James D’Arcy)

“Hope.” -     Commander Bolton (Oscar nominated Kenneth Branagh)

Tips for parents: 

• This war movie is intense with MANY moments of life or death.
• Despite the high body count, it isn’t super bloody and gory like Saving Private Ryan.
• There was a surprising lack of profanity.  I thought I heard an F-bomb, but because the accents were so thick, I can’t honestly say that’s what the word was.

Want to learn more about this part of history in World War II?  Check out some of these:

Dunkirk: The History Behind the Major Motion Picture
The Miracle of Dunkirk: The True Story of Operation Dynamo

@trinaboice 

Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk is a trudge

Movie Title:  Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk

Grade:  C

Rating: R, 110 minutes

In a Nutshell: As an Army mom, I admit I watched this flag-waiving drama through different eyes.  Based on the best-selling book, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk: A Novel, this was the first time High Frame Rate technology was used in a movie at such a high speed.  

It has an interesting effect that is supposed to be immersive in a new way.  Unfortunately, most people will end up watching this underwhelming movie on a TV or tiny computer screen after it comes out on DVD, missing the impressive work in each frame.

Uplifting theme: 

• “Has anyone looked in the eyes of the dead?” – poetry at funeral
• “It’s not something I’m real proud of, but I did what I had to do.” – Billy Lynn
• "The karma of action…the way of the warrior." - Shroom
• “Sometimes I wonder if we really deserve what you guys do for us.” – Faison (Makenzie Leigh)
• “We're a nation of children, Billy.  We go somewhere else to grow up, sometimes to die.” – Shroom (Vin Diesel)
• Loyalty, bravery, patriotism, war, freedom, politics.

Things I liked:

• The funeral at the beginning is heart-breaking when the ceremony includes calling out for the deceased soldier.
• Shout-out to Matt Damon, Hillary Swank, and Destiny’s Child.  Celebrities who were actually in the movie are Vin Diesel, Chris Tucker, Kristen Stewart, Steve Martin. 
• Newcomer Joe Alwyn has incredibly expressive eyes that allow you to see the conflict within his character.
• Ben Platt is so likable.  He has only played small roles in movies so far, but I’d like to see him in a bigger role someday.
• Two-time Oscar winning Director Ang Lee broke new ground cinematically because of his technique.  (I loved his work in Life of Pi.)  I also liked how he tried to film it as if we were in the middle of the action, rather than watching the action.
• The film addresses PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)  You might be interested in learning more about combat stress recovery programs.  
• I loved how Shroom always said “I love you” to his men.
•  This movie isn't really a war movie, but rather, a soldier movie.

  

Things I didn’t like:

• All of the guys talk at the same time, so it’s often hard to hear what everyone is saying.
• The film tells you how to feel.
• The acting isn’t particularly good.
• I realize the soldiers are just young kids.  They are often extremely badly behaved, even at their press events.  Doesn’t the military teach some etiquette to soldiers before they go on a media tour like this?  It's embarrassing.
• There is some ignorant talk of gays in the military.
• On the one hand, the movie seemed like a satire.  On the other hand, it felt like it was too saccharine.
• I wanted more of a backstory so that I would care about any of these soldiers.
• The script is rather dull. 

Interesting lines:

• “It doesn’t have to be about God or country.  Just find something bigger than yourself.” – Shroom (Vin Diesel)
• ‘I’ve kind of gotten used to telling people what they want to hear.” – Billy Lynn
• “It’s so weird, being honored for the worst day of your life.” – Billy Lynn
• “Sometimes nothing is better than something.” – Billy Lynn
• “Take us some place safe.  Take us back to the war.” – Sykes (Barney Harris)

Funny lines:

• “72 virgins in heaven?  Why 72?” – random girl who talked to Billy Lynn at a football game.
• “I can appreciate trash talk.  It’s not the best I’ve heard, but it’s pretty good.” – Steven Martin
• “Yeah, yeah.  Let’s go get a middle school named after us!” – Dime  (Garrett Hedlund)

Tips for parents: 

• Lots and lots of profanity.
• A lot of inappropriate sexual conversations and a fairly graphic sex scene.
• There is a scene were some guys smoke marijuana.
• War violence, including a bloody hand-to-hand combat scene.

@trinaboice 

Max honors military dogs and families

Movie:   Max

PG, 1 hour 51 minutes

Grade:  C+

In a Nutshell:   A Malinois Belgian Shepherd gives a respectable performance as a salute to all of the dogs who have served in the military.

Uplifting Theme:

·         Dogs have been used by the U.S.  military since World War 1.

·         Over 3000 dogs have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

·         26 dogs and 25 handlers have been killed in the service of their country since 2003.  The movie tells you at the end that this film was made in their memory.

Things I liked:

·         It’s absolutely heartbreaking to watch Max sit next to the casket of his fallen trainer, Kyle.

·         The animal training in the film is extremely impressive.  Wow, how do they choreograph the fight scenes?

·         I’ve enjoyed watching Thomas Haden Church in anything ever since I first saw him in that old TV show WINGS - The Complete Series .

·         It’s a needed look at another aspect of war and what grieving families and pets go through.

·         There are a few heartfelt patriotic moments.    The patriotism is extremely sappy and could have
      been done better, but I’m a sucker for the red, white and blue.

Things I didn’t like:

·         I usually like Lauren Graham, but her fake Southern accent was terribly distracting.

·         The movie makes all Mexicans look like total gangsters.
-      Justin’s friend Chuy is a real jerk of a kid.  I wouldn’t want my sons playing with a kid like that.

Funny lines:

  “Yo, we’re cool, but we don’t talk about this.  Never.” – Chuy after he watches his buddy kiss a girl.

          

Interesting lines:

·         “A hero always tells the truth, no matter what other people think of him or what the consequences are.” – Ray Wincott

·         “You’re turning against your race!” – Chuy   (Dejon LaQuake)
-     "Mexican isn't a race, Stupid!" - Carmen

·          

Tips for Parents:

·          Children will enjoy watching the dogs, but might be frightened by the fighting.
-      Some "mild" profanity.
-     Watching the film together as a family should create a good opportunity to talk about the costs of
       war and what things are worth fighting for.

The Good Lie uplifts and inspires with its profound simplicity

Movie:  The Good Lie

PG-13, 1 hour 52 minutes

Grade: A-

In a Nutshell:  It’s very touching to watch the lives of these “Lost Boys” (and girls) from Sudan unfold.  I wanted to adopt them all. It’s truly heart-breaking what they had to endure to survive, walking hundreds of miles barefoot in search of safety and meaning. I love that some of the actors were actually “Lost Boy” refugees themselves. You get to see their pictures at the end of the movie.    

The title of this simple, yet uplifting movie comes from a phrase in Mark Twain’s book Adventures of Huckleberry Finn .”  A night school teacher asks her class what it means.  One of the students responds “Huck uses lies to survive in undesirable situations.”  But the lies change later in the story. Mamere offers insight by explaining that the lies change because Huck changes.  “When he tells the slave hunters that he has no slaves, his lie is credible, so he lies well.  But what is more important is that it is an unselfish lie that saves Jim.  Jim’s freedom means more to him than the money he would get for turning him in, so it is a good lie.”  Before the end of the movie, there are several “good lies” that will both break and warm your heart.

Things I liked:

• ·    The camera lingers on the actors’ faces so you can watch their emotions develop layers.
• ·         I thought it was really cute when the young men from Sudan discovered the “Why did the chicken cross the road” joke and kept laughing about it later.
• ·         I thought the movie was understated, especially considering the profoundly touching and powerful subject matter. Reese Witherspoon's character and role is also muted by the colorful story of the Lost Boys.

Things I didn’t like:

• ·         I enjoyed the movie very much.  What I didn’t like was seeing some of the ugly sides of humanity.  The world is full of horror and beauty.  One of the great challenges in life is to focus on the good and create more of it to outweigh the bad.
• ·         It would have been interesting to see more of how they lived in the refugee camp in Kenya for so many years.

Funny lines:

• ·         “Your survival skills are most impressive.”  - Mamere
•        “Um…thanks.”  - Carrie
• ·         “May you find a husband to fill your empty heart and home.” – Mamere
•        “I’ll work on that.”  - Carrie
• ·         “Man, I wish they wouldn’t do that.”  -  Jack (when he sees the Sudanese young men holding hands)

Interesting lines:

• ·         “I miss Sudan.”  - Jeremiah
•       “Why?”   - Carrie
•        “Because in Sudan you know what a lion looks like.”   - Jeremiah after dealing with a boss he disagrees with
• ·         The movie ends with this line: “If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.”  - African Proverb

Tips for Parents:

• ·         Some stupid, lazy Americans introduce one of the sweet Sudanese young men to drugs. 
• ·         It may be too slow-moving for young children, but teens can learn a lot about values, honor, Sudan, humanitarian aid, war, and sacrifice for others.
• ·         This film will make you want to do more.  Your family may want to discuss how you can help other refugees.  There are many organizations online that you can look into, as well as local churches that offer aid to those in camps abroad and who have recently arrived in America.   
• A lot of Americans get angry about all of the money and energy that is spent helping people abroad, especially when there are so many people in our own country who need help.  After you watch this movie, you'll be grateful that the good ole USA has done something to help ease suffering in the world.  It's an interesting and important question: Should we use our resources to help those outside our own boundaries and problems?  If we don't, who will?  

       To learn more about the refugee children of Sudan, check out these interesting stories:

Ender's Game now out on DVD for fun family movie night

Movie Title:  Ender's Game

PG-13, 1 hour 53 minutes

Grade: A-

In a Nutshell:  This sci-fi tween thriller deserved to be made into a film, as the book has been popular with kids since 1985.  Congrats to Orson Scott Card for making it on to the big screen!  Most of the source book fans have been very pleased with the movie adaptation, although they admit that a few interesting aspects were rushed or necessarily left out because of the time constraints. The battle scenes feel like you’re watching someone play a video game, but the special effects are pretty amazing.  You’ll feel like a 12 year old kid again and wish you could float around in the battle simulator.

Things I liked:   

• I love Harrison Ford, even if I have to see him as a grumpy, aging man. 
• I’ve also adored Ben Kingsley ever since he won an Oscar for Best Actor in Gandhi many years ago.  The design on his face was very cool and supposed to represent a way to speak for the dead.  His father was a Maori.  I have a friend whose ancestry is Maori.  He plays the ukulele and sings songs in Maori for his students.
• You feel like you get your money’s worth because the film is long, but moves quickly.  
• I thought Ender’s squeaky, pubescent voice was perfect because it constantly reminds you that he is still just a boy.  Asa Butterfield does a terrific job.  I loved him in Hugo.  Ben Kingsley was in that movie as well.  It was simply stunning in 3D.
• I liked the cadets’ white casual wear and would like one for myself to wear at home when I’m just kicking around.
• I hadn’t read the book, so I had no idea what was going to happen.  I love twists.
•  The zero gravity room looks super fun!  I went Indoor Skydiving in Las Vegas recently and had a blast…literally!  A giant fan blasts air at you so that you float.  I highly recommend it!  This is a picture of my husband, son, and I after our indoor skydiving experience, which is probably the closest we'll ever get to a zero gravity feeling:   

Things I didn’t like:

• So, it only takes 3 adults to run that entire spaceship? 
• I was surprised at the amateur-looking credits at the end of the movie.
• It takes itself a little bit too seriously and could have been improved with more peppering of humor.

Uplifting theme:

• The way we win matters.
• “Let us train our soldiers so they can be gifted at war AND peace.”

Funny lines:

• “This is basic rocket science, people!”  - teacher
• “Game over.” - Ender

Interesting lines:

*  “When you truly understand your enemy, you love them.”

Things to look for:

• The button on the back of their necks that is used to monitor them reminded me of The Matrix .
• Hailee Steinfeld plays a character whose name is Petra.   Petra means rock in Latin.  She becomes Ender’s rock throughout their experience in the training experience in the International Fleet.

Tips for parents: There is a lot of violence, some bullying, and a repeated use of the word “A**hole” in Spanish by a character named Bonzo.  There is no other profanity, other than mean name-calling by bullies.  There are some interesting moral dilemmas that could provide interesting dinner conversations for your family.

If your tween loved the movie, you can find the box set of the book series here:

Monuments Men movie gets me Googling for more

Movie Title:  The Monuments Men

Grade:  B+

PG-13, 1 hour 52 minutes

In a Nutshell:  This inspiring movie is based on a true story about us all of us.  I admit that I’m curious to learn more about what really happened as the small group of art experts tried to save priceless pieces of history as the Nazi regime began to fall in WWII Europe.  I was in Italy just a few months ago, basking in all of the beautiful artwork and can’t imagine what a terrible loss it would have been to humanity if we didn’t have some of the masterpieces that exist in that country alone. 

Based on the non-fiction telling by Robert M. Edsel,Monuments Men , the subject matter and setting are truly fascinating.  Unfortunately, the movie falls a bit short of what could have been an outstanding cinematic journey worthy of Oscar buzz...for next year.  (It was supposed to be released at Christmas in time for this year's Oscars, but George Clooney chose to wait.)  It misses the German mark...you could say.  The audience I watched the movie with consisted of mostly older people, some who looked like they could have actually fought in WWII. 

This brief tour through war-torn Europe was directed, written, and performed by George Clooney.  It’s a bit of “Geriatric Band of Brothers” heist meets “Saving Private Ryan”, although not nearly as realistic or good as the latter.  The audience loved the camaraderie among the men and were left wanting a little more out of the star-studded cast which includes Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville and the exquisite Cate Blanchett.

Uplifting theme:  What a sobering reminder this film features that Hitler stole lives, art, and even history from all of us.  James Granger says “He really wanted it all.”  Frank Stokes corrects him “He wanted everything.”  Frank Stokes continually reminds his crew that their lives are worth more than a piece of art, and yet they are all willing to sacrifice everything in order to preserve it because it represents mankind’s greatest accomplishments.  

I love that the men refer to various works of art as “she” and “her”, granting true life to images that capture our very soul.  Frank Stokes narrates the journey and explains that they were fighting for culture, our history, and our very way of life.  The works of art are not simply beautiful things to look at and admire, but our history…yours….mine.   It was inspiring to learn that over 5 million pieces were recovered through The Monuments Men project.

Things I liked:

• It was refreshing to see a loyal husband resist an invitation of infidelity, especially on a lonely night in romantic Paris.  Matt Damon’s character, James Granger, even returned the tie he was given by the hopeful woman.
• The sets and scenery were breathtaking.
• One of the most profound scenes was when (SPOILER ALERT) the group finds a big barrel of gold nuggets and then realizes they were from the mouths of Jews who were killed by the Nazis. The scene carried a sobering weight that other scenes lacked.  The audience gasped a few times, which I think, would have made George Clooney proud.

Things I didn’t like:

• It’s a bit slow-moving and disjointed with not nearly enough humor and some missed opportunities to make the film truly wonderful. 
• Substitute the last line of the movie with something better like “Come on, I want to show you something else!”

Funny lines:

• “Do we get to kill anybody?” – Preston Savitz
• “Speak English” said several people to James Granger whose French was terrible.  I’ve been to France and they really do hate it when we Americans attempt to speak their beautiful language.
• James Granger explains “I seem to have stepped on a land mine.” Frank queries “Why would you do that?” repeated by Walter Garfield.  James says “It was a slow day.”  I thought that scene was well done as they tried to come up with a solution and were prepared for any outcome.
• An American soldier says after the war was announced to be over “Isn’t there supposed to be a parade or something?” to which James Granger gently corrects “Probably not in Germany.”
• While talking about setting up some dynamite, two on the team have the following exchange: “Maybe I should do this.”  “What do you know about explosives?”  “Nothing.”  “Ok.”

Inspiring lines:

• “Who will be their protectors?  Who will make sure the Mona Lisa is still smiling?” – Frank Stokes
• “It’s not bad.”  “It’s not good” – an exchange as two of the crew look at a canvas of Hitler’s artwork from his failed run as an art student
• “Frank explains his passion about the Monument Men project by saying “If you destroy their achievements, it’s like they never existed.”
• “Great works of art can never belong to one individual.”  - Donald Jeffries

Things to learn more about:  George Clooney said of this film “It’s so rare to do any story that people don’t know.” I would love to learn more!

• Ghent Altarpiece and the Art of Jan Van Eyck
• Russia’s Soviet Trophy Brigade
• The Nero Decree stated that if Hitler died, the Nazis were to destroy Germany’s infrastructure, as well as other valuables, including art.  Nero was blamed for the fire that destroyed much of Rome.  Forty-two days after issuing the Nero Decree, Hitler killed himself, and a week later, Germany surrendered.
• Michelangelo: the Bruges Madonna and the Piccolomini altar,

Tips for parents:  There is some profanity, but not as much as you would think there would be in a war movie.  People are killed and wounded with some blood and gore.