Award-Winning Troupe Assembled in "The Monuments Men"

“The story of the Monuments Men is one that really very few people know,” says George Clooney, who returns to the director’s chair for the story of a small group of artists, art historians, architects, and museum curators who would lead the rescue of 1000 years of civilization during World War II in his new film, The Monuments Men.  “Artists, art dealers, architects – these were men that were far beyond the age that they were going to be drafted into a war or volunteer.  But they took on this adventure, because they had this belief that culture can be destroyed.  If they’d failed, it could have meant the loss of six million pieces of art. They weren’t going to let that happen – and the truth of the matter is, they pulled it off.”

Part of the drama of the film is that all of the Monuments Men are so unsuited to serving as soldiers in wartime.  “Wars are fought by 18-year-olds,” says Clooney.  “Once you get to the John Goodmans and the Bob Balabans and the George Clooneys, you know – these guys are not getting drafted.” Producing and writing partner Grant Heslov adds: “They did it because it was clear that they were the only people who could do it.”

2014's Best Actress Frontrunner Cate Blanchett in "The Monuments Men"

Cate Blanchett,  this year’s Best Actress winner at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and Critics’ Choice Movie Awards (for her role in “Blue Jasmine”) and nominated at the 86th Academy Awards (Oscars) stars in a sweeping true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history where she is the only woman among “The Monuments Men.”

Based on the real history chronicled in the non-fiction book “The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History” by Robert M. Edsel with Bret Witter,  “The Monuments Men” is an action drama focusing on seven over-the-hill, out-of-shape museum directors, artists, architects, curators, and art historians who went to the front lines of WWII to rescue the world’s artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and return them to their rightful owners.  The Monuments Men found themselves in a race against time to avoid the destruction of 1000 years of culture, they would risk their lives to protect and defend mankind’s greatest achievements. 

REEL DEAL: First Look Photos & The Untold Story of :The Monuments Men" Revealed

A whole lot of art loot is at stake in the action-thriller “The Monuments Men” produced, directed and starred by George Clooney along with an all-star, high-caliber cast including Cate  Blanchett, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman and Jean Dujardin.           

Based on the non-fiction tome by Robert Edsel, “The Monuments Men” takes us back to World War II when Western Allies protect heritage sites at risk during the war and recover art treasures from the Nazis. 

REEL DEAL: The Descendants - Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller SPOTLIGHT

SHAILENE WOODLEY and AMARA MILLER: RAW YOUNG TALENTS TO WATCH FOR
IN “THE DESCENDANTS”


“The Descendants” showcases breakthrough performances from Shailene Woodley and newcomer Amara Miller as the daughters of this year’s Oscar contender for Best Actor, George Clooney.

In the depths of a crisis following a boating accident of Matt King’s (Clooney) wife, King has to come to terms with the fact that he has been largely inadequate as a father as he attempts to repair his relationship with his two daughters. Lack of parental support and stability have left both girls without direction. Alexandra (Shailene Woodley) is rebellious and has been sent off to boarding school.  10 year-old Scottie, played by first time actress Amara Miller, is precocious and in need of parental supervision.
Woodley plays 17-year old Alexandra, troubled daughter of Matt King (Clooney) who has to help her father come to terms with his wife’s coma – and her secrets.


Woodley is best known to US audiences for her performance as Amy Juergens in long-running TV series The Secret Life Of The American Teenager, for which she has received particular praise – including being named ‘Breakthrough of 2008’ by the magazine Entertainment Weekly.


Q:        How would you describe your character, Alexandra?
A:         I’d say she’s kind of a normal teen going through her angsty period in life and as a child she realized her Mom was going to be more of a best friend than an actual mother. And that her Dad was far removed and would show up for but not really have any communication within the family. So she built walls up and kind of became her own protector. She became very independent at a very young age.
Q:        Could you relate to the character?
A:         Yeah, of course, I went through my angsty period. I was probably about 14/15 when I hated the world, but that went away quickly and I didn’t really pull from my childhood for this character. For me acting is just about being yourself in the colors and restrictions of a particular character. I try not to pull from my own life or think about it too much. I’d rather just stay present to the situation in which the characters are being forced through.

REEL DEAL: The Descendants - George Clooney SPOTLIGHT

AWARD-WINNING FILM “THE DESCENDANTS” INTROS CLOONEY ON PARENTING

Much recognized for his global humanitarian efforts as he is for his accomplishments in the entertainment industry, George Clooney delves into untapped psyche as he takes on parenting in “The Descendants” with naturally gifted young actresses Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller.  Directed by Alexander Payne best known for his work in “Sideways,” “The Descendants” is a man’s tumultuous awakening that might be awkward, comical and sometimes absurd, but nevertheless changes his concept of love, fatherhood and what it truly takes to be a man.

George Clooney stars as Matt King, a privileged Honolulu attorney from a landowning family who is compelled to reevaluate his marriage and life, while his wife lies comatose in a hospital bed following a boating accident. His mischievous daughters don’t trust him, his imperiled wife has been cheating on him and his broke cousins see him and the land trust he controls as a piggy bank.  To add insult to injury, he’s surrounded by a lush, fertile, awe-inspiring landscape that defies his inner turmoil. 

REEL DEAL: The Descendants REVIEW

Its refreshing to see movies less the fast paced action, magic and sci-fi stories from Hollywood. Breaking back to reality of family and love makes great stories and can move people into tears. This is what The Descendants will share to movie goers.

In this film George Clooney plays a father for the first time in his career. Being a father to two daughters with different personalities and also a husband to his wife who he needs to take care after a horrible accident.

Also placed on placed on his shoulders is a responsibility of his family's inheritance that will make a big impact in the islands of Hawaii. One can also realize that living in a tropical state does not mean you live in paradise. Problems there are not less than others, and the pain and suffering is also not less than another place.

With an interesting array of characters and superb portrayal of emotions and 'language', I would also consider to read the novel from which the movie is based from. Interestingly the movie received awards including two Golden Globe Awards.

Reel Deal: Young Stars Shine in Fox's Family Films

Innately talented young actors Maggie Elizabeth Jones, Elle Fanning, Colin Ford, Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller shine brightly on their own footing in upcoming movies from 20th Century Fox – “We Bought A Zoo” and “The Descendants.”  

In We Bought A Zoo starring Matt Damon and directed by Cameron Crowe – Elle Fanning, Maggie Elizabeth Jones and Colin Ford take turns in keeping that familial warmth of the movie where Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) buys a house with a zoo in order to give his family a fresh start in life. What begins as a rather impulsive fantasy turns into a daunting life-changing journey that is exciting, emotionally taxing, exceedingly labor intensive, often hilarious but ultimately more rewarding than even he could have ever imagined.