​FILMS

hail, caesar!

Hail to the Coen Brothers!

2016 review number 36:

Hail, Caesar!: (Comedy): 70 out of 100: This might not be the best Coen Brothers movie but still beats many other Hollywood offerings. It certainly helps if you like movies from the 1940s and 1950s because it seems like the story presents vignettes that pay tribute to the movies from this era. The sum of all parts however doesn't result in a brilliant movie as the plot is rather loose and doesn't have a clear focus. There are enough moments to make this experience a fun one with a few laughs, provided you appreciate the Coens' quirky sense of humour. 

 

Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin) is the boss of Capitol Pictures and finds himself in a pickle with some of his leading stars. On a day he would rather forget, Baird Whitlock (George Clooney) has been kidnapped by Communists and held for ransom. DeeAnna Moran (Scarlett Johansson) is America's sweetheart so being pregnant out of wedlock will harm her career thus a plan is devised to protect her reputation. Hobie Doyle (Alden Ehrenreich) is a singing cowboy star but he has been cast in his first dramatic role. Esteemed director Laurence Lorenz (Ralph Fiennes) pleads with Mannix to remove him from the cast as he can't act. On a personal level, gossip columnist sisters Thora and Thessaly Thacker (Tilda Swinton) want the exclusive on Eddie's apparent move to the Lockheed Corporation and badger him.

 

There are scenes within the movie which are being filmed and these are some of the best parts. There's Scarlett Johannson in a synchronised swimming scene that is reminiscent of many of the films made by Esther Williams. We get to see George Clooney doing a Charlton Heston impersonation. My favourite was the singing and dancing scene featuring Channing Tatum which reminded me of the musicals Gene Kelly used to make. Another highlight was the scene featuring Lorenz and Doyle, where the director is trying his best to teach his star how to act. 

 

These sequences show up the rest of the story which isn't as engaging as it should be. As a result, the characters seem distant and there's not much of an opportunity to invest your emotions in them. Regarding the script, there are several amusing lines but not enough to make you laugh your way through the entire movie. If you are a fan of the Coen Brothers, you will probably experience a few more chuckles than those who don't really enjoy offbeat comedy.

 

The acting is fine all-round but there are no stand-outs. When looking back at their resumes, none of the actors can claim that this was their best role. They are serviceable rather than impeccable. Some actors like Jonah Hill and Frances McDormand appear in what could be termed glorified cameos.

 

The production values are first-class with the early 1950s lovingly recreated through the terrific set decorations and elegant costume designs. It is especially beautiful to look at when there's the films within the film aspect, making it seem like you are watching snippets of movies from this era. 

 

This is light entertainment and definitely not one of the Coen Brothers' deep and meaningful journeys. It might not win over any new fans but will please viewers who like their comedies. If their goal was simply to entertain viewers then they have accomplished it.

 

Starring Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton and Channing Tatum

(106 mins)

Parental advice: Adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMqeoW3XRa0 (Movie trailer)

 

(Reviewed on Saturday 27th February, 2016)

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