Hail, Caesar!

8

tropicAcesFeb 10, 2016

I love 1950s Los Angeles and movies, so maybe I'm biased, but I had a blast with this movie. It offers a great look at the making of movies, and even if each actor besides Clooney and Brolin only have two scenes, there's a lot of fun to beI love 1950s Los Angeles and movies, so maybe I'm biased, but I had a blast with this movie. It offers a great look at the making of movies, and even if each actor besides Clooney and Brolin only have two scenes, there's a lot of fun to be had with this if you know what you're going into.… Expand

5 of 14 users found this helpful59

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2

DotdaveFeb 10, 2016

Misused cast- full of Hollywood "inside " jokes and references that go nowhere- almost fell asleep, but stayed thinking it would get better, it didn't - save your money. Guess even the magic touch of the Coen brothers can't pull a rabbit outMisused cast- full of Hollywood "inside " jokes and references that go nowhere- almost fell asleep, but stayed thinking it would get better, it didn't - save your money. Guess even the magic touch of the Coen brothers can't pull a rabbit out of a worn out fedora.… Expand

7 of 12 users found this helpful75

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0

ngddgjFeb 9, 2016

Utterly F...ing terrible. The Coen Bros should know that since they are in the MOTION picture business, long, static philosophical diatribes dont really work in this medium. Write a book next time.

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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0

jhepFeb 9, 2016

Where to begin !….the Coen Brothers’ cinematic food fight ……their In-Your-Face hissy fit …. their de-constructed parody OF a parody ..….whatever you decide to call it it’s an embarrassing mess made up of undigested plot morsels and themes andWhere to begin !….the Coen Brothers’ cinematic food fight ……their In-Your-Face hissy fit …. their de-constructed parody OF a parody ..….whatever you decide to call it it’s an embarrassing mess made up of undigested plot morsels and themes and feels INTERMINABLE to sit through……can this really be the same George Clooney, Tilda Swinton and Joel and Ethan Coen of the witty and razor-sharp “Burn After Reading” ? …..can this rambling, self-indulgent “smirk-fest” with its hastily assembled grab-bag of “bits” that RAPIDLY wear out their welcome, possibly be the work of the film-makers who made “A Serious Man” or “No Country For Old Men”?…….and, by the way, “The Robe” was actually quite an intelligent film and Richard Burton was terrific in it……so enough cinematic masturbation Ethan an Joel; time to get back to work.....enough already with the Food Fight Thing !… Expand

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

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2

biokenjistryFeb 9, 2016

I get that there were huge ties to the Bible. I get that the communists and the submarine were analogies to the 12 disciples and Jesus Christ's ascent to heaven. I get that the pregnancy and a stand in father were analogies to the ImmaculateI get that there were huge ties to the Bible. I get that the communists and the submarine were analogies to the 12 disciples and Jesus Christ's ascent to heaven. I get that the pregnancy and a stand in father were analogies to the Immaculate Conception and Joseph/Joe. But just because there's symbolism in the movie, doesn't give it an excuse for being plodding and dry for two thirds of the movie, and having a unsatisfactory payoff with a hastily resolved ending. Maybe this movie would be good to pick apart in film school, but save your money, it's terrible entertainment.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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9

SaikronFeb 9, 2016

This is possibly the most self-indulgent work by any writer/directors that I have ever seen, but it somehow works out into a movie that I love.

It's essentially a bittersweet love letter from the Coens to Old Hollywood, the gist of whichThis is possibly the most self-indulgent work by any writer/directors that I have ever seen, but it somehow works out into a movie that I love.

It's essentially a bittersweet love letter from the Coens to Old Hollywood, the gist of which is "I'm sorry we batter each other sometimes, but you're worth it." It's told in a zany, 24+ hour workday of a fictionalized Eddie Mannix, Old Hollywood executive and producer.

I think many users' complaints that the stories seem disjointed and the characters seem underdeveloped come from not giving Mannix the proper level of consideration. The scenes inspired by Old Hollywood aren't just thrown in because the Coen's felt like it (though that is one big reason for sure), those scenes are also what make the business worth it to Mannix. The other characters are certainly interesting, but they're there to help us decide if Mannix should stay at Capitol Pictures or leave for a more mainstream career. They aren't separate, unexplored storylines. There is only one storyline: "Should Mannix go to Lockheed or not?"

I'm a big fan of the movies from the 30s and 40s which the real Mannix worked on, so I think the Coens and I agree that it is worth it, even if we are "just" making aquamusicals and superhero movies.

If none of that's for you, I think the movie can also get by just based on slapstick comedy alone.… Expand

2 of 11 users found this helpful29

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3

njlakeFeb 8, 2016

This is by far the worst Coen brothers movie. Really seemed like a mashup of a bunch of different stories that didn't seem to coincide at all. My favorite scene by far was with Ralph Fiennes... but that ended very quickly you don't seeThis is by far the worst Coen brothers movie. Really seemed like a mashup of a bunch of different stories that didn't seem to coincide at all. My favorite scene by far was with Ralph Fiennes... but that ended very quickly you don't see anything close to that quality throughout the rest of the movie unfortunately. It's sad because that scene is what felt most like a Coen bros. movie. In the end, the story was really weak and the characters were not well developed at all.… Expand

9 of 17 users found this helpful98

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9

Mack_FraserFeb 7, 2016

Hail, Caesar! is a film cut from the same cloth as Barton Fink, Inside Llewyn Davis and The Man Who Wasn't There despite what the trailers may be selling you. This is the Coen Brother's in high art film mode although perhaps more subtly thanHail, Caesar! is a film cut from the same cloth as Barton Fink, Inside Llewyn Davis and The Man Who Wasn't There despite what the trailers may be selling you. This is the Coen Brother's in high art film mode although perhaps more subtly than their previous efforts. Hail, Caesar! is a film more concerned with examining structures of belief that people dedicate themselves to (communism, capitalism, religion and cinema/art specifically) and their relative merit or lack thereof than telling a tight, fast-paced story. It's also affords the brothers Coen a chance to play around in the classic Hollywood sandbox to varying degrees of success (the parlour drama 'Merrily We Dance' is the only movie-within-the-movie that completely captures the aesthetic of the time although the rest are still fun). Consequently, the central story, such as it is, is not as strong as in some of their films like True Grit, Fargo or No Country for Old Men, but that is by design - it's a just a framework for what they're really interested in and the more languid pace actually gives it something of that 1950's old Hollywood vibe.

Slight side note, the ad campaign for this movie did it no favours. It was sold as a movie more in the vein of The Big Lebowski or Raising Arizona - still very Coen brothers, but more in the screwball comedy vein which it really isn't. I'm willing to bet that the critical consensus on this film will rise given time as people recalibrate their expectations as to what the film is trying to do.… Expand

1 of 9 users found this helpful18

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6

BHBarryFeb 7, 2016

"Hail, Caesar" boasts an all star cast including Channing Tatum, Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Jonah Hill, Elden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson and Tilda Swinton and was co-written and directed by Joel and"Hail, Caesar" boasts an all star cast including Channing Tatum, Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Jonah Hill, Elden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson and Tilda Swinton and was co-written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Given this stellar list of talented actors, writers and directors, I eagerly anticipated viewing this attempted satire of 1950’s Hollywood but, unfortunately, I was greatly disappointed for the advertised brand was significantly better than the product. With so much material available, the Coens missed almost every opportunity to make the film work and could have elicited genuine laughter instead of only a slight smile or grin from an audience anxiously wanting and hoping for more. It should also be noted that Mr. Clooney and Ms. Johansson, two charismatic and generally enjoyable actors to watch, should not attempt slapstick comedy for the result is more tragic than humorous. Also, the film with many subplots never properly allows any of them to develop and what could have been a clever spoof of making films in the mid 20th Century becomes a poor but unsuccessful attempt to be funny. Knowing what could have been achieved but wasn’t is even more frustrating. Difficult to understand, too, is that so many reputable critics have applauded this film apparently judging the proverbial "book" by its cover rather than its contents. I give the film a6.0 rating 2 stars suggesting that the Coens owed the viewers and their own tremendous talents more than they were able to achieve in their latest theatrical endeavor.… Expand

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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6

TVJerryFeb 7, 2016

The latest from the Coen Brothers is a playful tribute to the Golden Age of Hollywood. The central character is a studio exec (Josh Brolin), who deals with his stars, directors and productions in one busy day. We also get treated to someThe latest from the Coen Brothers is a playful tribute to the Golden Age of Hollywood. The central character is a studio exec (Josh Brolin), who deals with his stars, directors and productions in one busy day. We also get treated to some delightful re-creations of classic styles (a Biblical epic, a Western, a Kelly-esque dance romp, an Esther Williams production number). The star-loaded cast (Clooney, Tatum, Johansson) gets to create some delightful types (Alden Ehrenreich is especially enjoyable as a sincere, simple cowboy). So far, sounds like lots of fun. Where it stumbles is tying it all together. The individual encounters are lively and peppered with the Coen’s cracked sense of humor. But the whole narrative doesn’t seam together smoothly and there’s more energy than laffs. A lesser film by the Brothers is still fun.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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1

marco34laFeb 7, 2016

It is beyond reason that anyone in their right mind with a half an ounce of intelligence...could consider this film
anything more than a complete waste of celluloid. It was utterly painful... totally pointless. Clooney is so over-rated inIt is beyond reason that anyone in their right mind with a half an ounce of intelligence...could consider this film
anything more than a complete waste of celluloid. It was utterly painful... totally pointless. Clooney is so over-rated in general, and in this role, he's just plain idiotic. SKIP THIS… Expand

10 of 20 users found this helpful1010

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4

Rick1000Feb 6, 2016

From the hype and marketing I thought Hail, Caesar would be a very funny movie... I was wrong. This is an ambitious effort with a bunch of movie genres from the 1940s and '50s packed in, some with humorous results and others for the sake ofFrom the hype and marketing I thought Hail, Caesar would be a very funny movie... I was wrong. This is an ambitious effort with a bunch of movie genres from the 1940s and '50s packed in, some with humorous results and others for the sake of it. The problem with this film is that while there are several funny moments scattered throughout, the Coen Brothers introduce various plotlines, none of which generate any steam. Nothing has us asking; "what will happen?" How will this work out? The stories are so meekly resolved that nobody cares. Add to that the fact that no characters are explored fully enough to love them, hate them or really careabout then, and you've got a movie in which the audience simply doesn't have any reason to watch other than having paid to be there.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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7

Compi24Feb 6, 2016

It may have something to do with the supremely high standards set by the Coen Brothers' stellar filmography, but there is certainly something missing from "Hail, Caesar!" Perhaps, it's the narrative at hand, which seems to clearly lack aIt may have something to do with the supremely high standards set by the Coen Brothers' stellar filmography, but there is certainly something missing from "Hail, Caesar!" Perhaps, it's the narrative at hand, which seems to clearly lack a sense of cohesion amongst its bizarre moving parts. Maybe it has something to do with the undercooked feel of the film's final act, or the heavy handed antics of the movie's philosophical platform. Still though, as disappointing as these elements may be, make no mistake - "Hail, Caesar!" is a surprisingly enjoyable comedy, with delightfully entertaining performances from Josh Brolin, George Clooney, and newcomer Alden Ehrenreich. The bitingly outlandish humor is also a shining element of this tribute to cinema's golden age. Sure, the Coen Brothers might not be at the top of their narrative game, but that comedic right hook is still a knockout.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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7

jrodfilmsFeb 6, 2016

why is this film getting bad reviews? i actually liked it! but keep in mind, this is josh brolins movie, not george clooneys. its a bit clunky and unever, takes a while to get going. but i was sucked in.

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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2

EvilEyebrowBoyFeb 6, 2016

So disappointing. The basic premise is that a Hollywood actor in the 1950s is kidnapped by communists. Sounds like the setup for a brilliant comedy, right. Nope. While it does get out some good jokes, the acting is too serious for a premiseSo disappointing. The basic premise is that a Hollywood actor in the 1950s is kidnapped by communists. Sounds like the setup for a brilliant comedy, right. Nope. While it does get out some good jokes, the acting is too serious for a premise so wacky. It should be over the top and ridiculous, but it's not! The jokes are to infrequent, and the climax is completely underwhelming. If only they had just had someone else make a movie based off the trailer. So sad to see such a brilliant idea wasted… Expand

4 of 11 users found this helpful47

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8

SpangleFeb 6, 2016

I loved Hail, Caesar. An absolutely hilarious homage and piece of social commentary (politics, Hollywood, human nature, etc.), Hail, Caesar is a really a movie about movies made for people who love movies and their history. Touching on allI loved Hail, Caesar. An absolutely hilarious homage and piece of social commentary (politics, Hollywood, human nature, etc.), Hail, Caesar is a really a movie about movies made for people who love movies and their history. Touching on all the key movements of the 1950s from the classic films to the politics therein, the film really skewers the time period and entertains along the way. Lavishly crafted with fantastic production and costume design, the film both looks and sounds the part. Channing Tatum honestly stole the show for me comedically, as all of his parts were hysterical. George Clooney, Josh Brolin, and Alden Ehrenhich, were the real stars here and knocked it out of the park. Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, and Frances McDormand, were also very good in smaller roles. Overall, Hail, Caesar is an absolute riot if you love film and film history. It appears many moviegoers thought it would be more of a serious kidnapping type movie, but if you know anything about the Coen Brothers, you know there is always more than meets the eye in their films and their classic kidnapping trademark. This is very much the case in their latest work. Overall, the film was phenomenal and really sets the standard for forthcoming releases this year.… Expand

6 of 20 users found this helpful614

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1

TheMetacritiqerFeb 6, 2016

Perfect for those who grew up in this era. However, young people should steer clear of this trashypiece. Could well be one of the worst movies I've ever seen. Is that more than 150 characters?

6 of 18 users found this helpful612

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7

Brent_MarchantFeb 6, 2016

"Hail, Caesar!" offers viewers a fine collection of characters, moments and style, but, unfortunately, it lacks the glue that holds them all together well. It's entertaining, to be sure, but not entirely satisfying, something I'd expect more"Hail, Caesar!" offers viewers a fine collection of characters, moments and style, but, unfortunately, it lacks the glue that holds them all together well. It's entertaining, to be sure, but not entirely satisfying, something I'd expect more of when it comes to a Coen Brothers film. Take it for what it's worth, but don't say you weren't warned if you walk away disappointed.… Expand

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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1

TheKavehJFeb 6, 2016

Hail, Caesar makes working at a movie studio seem awful. The story line is dull, the film is long, and the film fails to deliver any laughs. The Coen Brothers disappoint.

7 of 12 users found this helpful75

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2

phillytomFeb 6, 2016

My wife and I just left watching "Hail Caesar". It is difficult for us to equate what we just wasted 2 hours on and what the critics scores they gave in their reviews. My wife I reached the conclusion that they were simply paid to write theMy wife and I just left watching "Hail Caesar". It is difficult for us to equate what we just wasted 2 hours on and what the critics scores they gave in their reviews. My wife I reached the conclusion that they were simply paid to write the reviews that they did. The movie was organized in a way that took a considerable number of old movie concepts and threw them against a wall. I assure NOT many stuck. Generally the Cohen brothers produce a quality product, they missed this time, BIG time. My wife said, "Give it a D-".… Expand

10 of 18 users found this helpful108

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8

tjman09Feb 6, 2016

Hail, Caesar! as a film feels very much like an attempt by the Coen Brothers to make an old-fashioned Hollywood film, in a day and age where it is not accepted. For those who love the films of 1950’s Hollywood, and the general history ofHail, Caesar! as a film feels very much like an attempt by the Coen Brothers to make an old-fashioned Hollywood film, in a day and age where it is not accepted. For those who love the films of 1950’s Hollywood, and the general history of Hollywood this film is a great way to spend time. Hail, Caesar! is funny, well shot, but lacks the memorable stature of the previous Coen Brothers films. For those who love Coen Brother’s films this is not there best, but is still enjoyable.

Not that it is all that surprising but this film has quite a few moments that are truly laugh-out-loud funny, but the humor is more subtle. It should be noted that the film is not as funny as The Big Lebowski, so those hoping for another Coen Brothers comedy classic it may not be that funny. Another small problem with the humor is that while the film is funny, many of the funnier jokes are in the trailer, and naturally the film lacks surprises.

Another trademark of the Coen Brothers is there beautiful cinematography, thanks to cinematographer Roger Deakins. It seems ironic watching it because the film is set in 50’s Hollywood and the film reels they watch look like some of the cleanest film of today. The overall look of the film is mesmerizing, and may be honored a year from now for it’s cinematography. However, in many aspects the film falls short of the expectations that the Coen Brothers deserve today.

While the film is a good and solid entry it has a few too many weaknesses. The villains of the film are a little weak, and because of the crowded story are never really fleshed out in a realistic way. On top of that the story is a little weak, often taking detours that aren’t necessary, and often feeling as though what we’re seeing isn’t all that important. The film also seems to gloss over the consequences of characters actions, and tries to just be funny, but not over the top just subtly funny, which doesn’t quite jive.
In the end Hail, Caesar is a comedy for the thinking man who doesn’t like the modern comedies that are often dumb and overbearing. Hail, Caesar is a film that looks back at 50’s Hollywood lovingly, and for that reason is a great film for film buffs, especially those that love classic Hollywood. However, if you’re expecting a great comedy that is both subtle, and brilliant like The Big Lebowski, this isn’t quite that.… Expand

3 of 13 users found this helpful310

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2

movielover49Feb 6, 2016

This is a generous rating given that the movie is without real spirit. Lots of fine actors, none of whom are given any real room to develop their characters. The trailer was funny and energetic, neither of which the movie actually is. A sadThis is a generous rating given that the movie is without real spirit. Lots of fine actors, none of whom are given any real room to develop their characters. The trailer was funny and energetic, neither of which the movie actually is. A sad contribution to the Coen brothers' body of work.… Expand

9 of 14 users found this helpful95

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8

bttrmoviesFeb 6, 2016

FIVE SENTENCE REVIEW:

Let me start by saying that not everyone will love "Hail, Caesar" - in fact I would imagine the split will be pretty 50-50 between really adoring it and full blown hating it. This is something that I think the CoenFIVE SENTENCE REVIEW:

Let me start by saying that not everyone will love "Hail, Caesar" - in fact I would imagine the split will be pretty 50-50 between really adoring it and full blown hating it. This is something that I think the Coen Brothers do well, though; a lot of my friends and family can't really stand them and unless you are in the mindset of watching one of their movies it can be a real chore to get through. So now that the warning is out of the way, I'll say that I really enjoyed this movie, with a cast that seems to be having fun, a love letter to the "golden age" of Hollywood, and a movie that pokes holes into what that era - which provided many classics - really meant for those who worked in it. Josh Brolin shines as the lead in this film and becomes the boss and manager of the crazy cast of people on the film set for the imaginary company he runs, and he brisks through the movie at a break neck pace that could come off as lazy writing but is done so well that it helps define the character. Most roles here outside of Brolin and perhaps Clooney really come off more as cameos, but they are done well and weave together rather effortlessly, making it an enjoyable and short watch.

FULL LENGTH REVIEW:

As I sat in the theater waiting for this movie to begin, I got myself ready. There are a few directors I have to do this with. Wes Anderson, Charlie Kaufman, and the Coens instantly come to mind. I knew I was about to see something with characters who are so well defined yet seem to ridiculous and over the top that they could not possibly exist in the real world. And despite this, they feel so fleshed out and real that they must exist in more than just the mind of the writer. But preparing myself for this and being met with it become two different things, as I don't think anyone can ever really be completely ready for a Coen Brothers film.

"Hail, Caesar," named after the epic being filmed at the studio where the film takes place, is really a satirical love letter to the "Golden Age" of Hollywood, where film studios were run like factories and movie after movie were churned out on the assembly line and put on the silver screen. Hollywood felt like a world completely removed from reality, although that probably still is true to a certain degree. At the center of this studio kingdom is Eddie Mannix, played wonderfully by Josh Brolin. Brolin brings a bravado and calm handle to the film that it really needs, as the rest of it seems to be filled with overly eccentric and out of control directors and actors.

Mannix is thrown for a loop, however, when the lead of his big epic being filmed (played in an effective if not a little too airheaded manner by George Clooney) is kidnapped. Mannix, while dealing with all the other problems being presented around his studio, must quietly resolve this or risk losing total control of his studio. The story, which features a lot of moving parts and a cast made up almost entirely of cameos (Jonah Hill, Scarlett Johannson, and Channing Tatum are in the movie for the briefest of moments - although they are done well), seems like it is complicated but in reality is quite simple. Mannix is simply a studio head/fixer, who is trying to keep his machine running as smoothly as possible.

Under this story is a deep love letter to classic Hollywood, complete with the film archetypes of the era. Musicals, dance movies, epic movies, Westerns, and Broadway adaptations all get screen time as the movie moves through the studio. Stars have exclusive deals that keep them tied to the whims of the studio, and all troubles are swept under the rug to keep their stars looking innocent and pristine. It is in this vein, however, that it also plays out as a sort of satire. Writers are shown to be mainly Communists, the studio heads abuse their stars and control everyone, and the winning religion - which plays well hand in hand with the fictitious "Hail, Caesar" being filmed in the movie - is the film studio. It becomes a little heavy handed at times, and the writing can be a little too dense in some areas, although that is something that goes through many recent Coen Brothers comedies.

The movie, despite some shortcomings and potentially wasted talents, is very effective. The real scene stealer here may be relative newcomer Alden Ehrenreich, who plays a young Western star forced into more serious roles despite being a less than proficient actor. His naive attitude and dedication to the studio and director really shines, and played to near perfection by the young actor. All in all, this movie is fun, lighthearted, humorous, and a well done satirical love letter to classic Hollywood. If you like the Coen Brothers, you will like this movie. If you liked "The Artist," you will like this movie, despite some shortcomings.

I give Hail, Caesar a B.… Expand

5 of 16 users found this helpful511

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10

JazzyJayFeb 6, 2016

This is a great movie by any measure. It's an entertainment on the surface, with startling stunts, huge sets, technical dance numbers, entertaining "bits", great music both as background and foreground, beautiful places and cinematographyThis is a great movie by any measure. It's an entertainment on the surface, with startling stunts, huge sets, technical dance numbers, entertaining "bits", great music both as background and foreground, beautiful places and cinematography and characters that tie all these things together. Attempting to disassemble any part of this juggling act in the act of judging the Movie is to miss the whole point of the movie. It is designed to work as a "meta" meta. Whether or not you agree with the espoused mature outlook and body politic hidden within the clever script and whether or not you choose to pull outward and see how actually genius the entire presentation is as a whole, you can't help but be entertained by this product of Hollywood about Hollywood using the "language" of Hollywood. Like I said, pure genius and I left with a smile on my face.… Expand

12 of 32 users found this helpful1220

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3

hotfromcauldronFeb 5, 2016

I went. I saw. I concluded. Hail Caesar! is a patch work quilt homage to old Hollywood that
is sloppily sewn together. There were some things I wanted more of others much less and nothing I really could sink my teeth into. I missed JohnI went. I saw. I concluded. Hail Caesar! is a patch work quilt homage to old Hollywood that
is sloppily sewn together. There were some things I wanted more of others much less and nothing I really could sink my teeth into. I missed John Goodman. After seeing Swinton and Fiennes - I wondered if Wes Anderson could have kept the lunacy going with a stronger narrative. Johansson had a good accent - Clooney and Tatum a gay old time - Hill a line. Me , betrayed - et tu Coens?… Expand

13 of 24 users found this helpful1311

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6

GreatMartinFeb 5, 2016

"Hail, Caesar!" is a goldmine for film buffs and anyone familiar with the 'old' Hollywood, a time when studios ruled and took care of their stars and kept them out of jail. It was a time when a baby born out of wedlock would be adopted by her"Hail, Caesar!" is a goldmine for film buffs and anyone familiar with the 'old' Hollywood, a time when studios ruled and took care of their stars and kept them out of jail. It was a time when a baby born out of wedlock would be adopted by her movie star real mother. Was the story true about a director being fired because the actor had tricked with him before becoming a big time 'masculine' star? Who is the singing cowboy, (played by Alden Ehrenreich), the studio wants to turn into a drawing room star based on?

The best segment is a 'homage' to Gene Kelly, and films like "One The Town" and "Anchors Away", with Channing Tatum dancing up athletic tapping and acrobatic, flawless movements with homoerotic overtones to a song entitled "No Dames". The funniest segment is a scene with Frances McDormand editing this segment.

The story line of, possibly, the blacklisted 'Communist" writers kidnapping the star of the movie "Hail, Caesar!" ("Ben Hur" anyone?) played by George Clooney (Charleton Heston?) doiesn't really go anywhere but he seems to be having fun playing it for goofiness.

There are a few scenes that just don't work like Eddie Mannix, the 'fixer', played by Josh Brolin in a somber, fedora clad, going to confession and confessing he smoked 2 to 3 cigarettes and slapping a contract player. There is also a scene that falls flat where Mannix is trying to get approval for the film from 4 religious readers. None of this is Brolin's fault but of the screenwriting.

Scarlott Johansson as DeeAnna Moran, really Esther Williams at least in the roles she played, replicates the swimming routine choreographed by Busby Berkeley in the original "Million Dollar Mermaid" and though not given enough to do looks great doing in it.

Veronica Osorio (Carmen Miranda?) shines in a small role while Ralph Fiennes (Vincent Minelli?) and Tilda Swinton (Louella Parsons and Hedda Hopper?) are given little to do but do what they can with what they are given.

Directed and written by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen the movie is not up to par in either position. Though offering a few laughs "Hail, Caesar!" is more enjoyed for the guessing game that holds interest for those who know movies and/or remember the scandals of yesterday.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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4

acricketerFeb 5, 2016

"Infamy! infamy!, they've all got it in for me!" One of the best lines in comedy cinema history which passed through the lips of the late,great Kenneth Williams playing Julius Caesar in 'Carry on Caesar". You can't compete with that.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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5

donnelbrFeb 5, 2016

Seems like a film made FOR Hollywood to laugh at itself. Too bad it's not funny for the rest of us. Don't get me wrong, it's a somewhat interesting film, full of caricatures. It, and the plot, barely held my interest. The Channing TatumSeems like a film made FOR Hollywood to laugh at itself. Too bad it's not funny for the rest of us. Don't get me wrong, it's a somewhat interesting film, full of caricatures. It, and the plot, barely held my interest. The Channing Tatum dance scene leverages his talents, and is well directed. ...altogether a solid film. It's just that my date and I were looking at our watches the whole film, and time definitely did not fly. For a film so highly regarded by the critics, it was a slog for us.… Expand

8 of 12 users found this helpful84

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8

EpicLadySpongeFeb 5, 2016

Highly fun and enjoyable. The mixed reviews are from people and their opinions in which you cannot trust or this review. You can mark it helpful if it's really helpful.

4 of 16 users found this helpful412

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4

BshopFeb 5, 2016

Mildly entertaining. Some characters fell flat, while others were outstanding.
When it ending, it seemed abrupt (like there was meant to be more)?
In summary, wait for it on DVD or Redbox. Not worth the admission, unless maybe you like meta-movies.

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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5

kriebelrFeb 5, 2016

Some funny moments. Meandering, go nowhere plot. There were lots of big names in this film, which just seems like a gimmick. George Clooney's portrayal was very one dimensional. Slightly disappointed.

7 of 9 users found this helpful72

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Hail, Caesar!

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