Hail, Caesar!
Rated PG-13
Starring Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johannson, Jonah Hill, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton,
Written and Directed by Joel & Ethan Coen
The Story:
Eddie Mannix (Brolin) is a "fixer" for Capitol Pictures in Hollywood in the 1950s. He makes problems for the stars...go away... As he is dealing with a usual day at the office, one of their biggest stars, Baird Whitlock (Clooney) goes missing.
This is not the fun, farcical tone that the movie trailer suggested. It's a dramedy, to be sure, but if you're expecting a comedy, expect to be disappointed.
If you're expecting a movie with Clooney as the focus, also prepare to be disappointed.
Neither of these issues really bothered me.
If you're expecting a good movie, prepare to possibly be disappointed.
And that is the camp that I fall into.
This loving look back at Hollywood in the 1950s lacks really...everything.
The stars are present.
The scenery is magnificent.
You will believe the 1950s live again!
But really...nothing happens, and everything happens, all in the span of about a day.
A really long day, but you get the idea.
Ah, but it's a Coen Brothers film, so it's probably not about Hollywood at all, but is an allegorical tale about Christianity.
Oh.
Well that changes everything.
Except the part about it being a good movie.
B-O-R-I-N-G.
I do believe I made it through the whole thing, all the while wondering if there was a point to any part of it.
Weeks later, I don't believe I can look back and find the point.
I would have preferred a movie that focused more on Mannix, and maybe less sideshow stories and make a bigger case or two for him to try and solve.
As it was, it just seemed like a whole lot of loose ends that are vaguely tied together by his role.
But, I will award points for the look of the film.
And a reminder that if you want a better film about 1950s Hollywood, do yourself a favor and watch Trumbo instead.
Final Grade: D+
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