By TRENTON JUDD & NATALIE SACKET
Columnists
Trenton: 4 out of 5
Ethan and Joel Coen have written a love letter to 1950s movies, but does this letter function as a decent film?
“Hail, Caesar!” is a film about the productions of various films on a studio lot named Capitol Pictures. The newest big budget film to come out of the lot is called ‘Hail, Caesar,’ and while the movie is being filmed, Baird Whitlock, the lead actor, played by George Clooney, is kidnapped by a group claiming to be the future.
This is a light-hearted film compared to some previous films by the Coen brothers, but it still feels like a Coen brother’s film due to the interesting characters, the quirky moments and the overall feel of the film. The film is written like a 1950s movie from the dialogue to the fast and almost choppy story transitions. The writing is alright, but there are many storylines that are not given enough attention, which makes it difficult to stay involved with the main arc and the movie lacks an overall resolution to many of the storylines that are involved. The interesting characters that grab your attention in the trailers are not given a chance to develop due to how short and displaced their scenes are from the main story arc.
“Hail, Caesar!” had a great cast, but the actors seem very under-utilized, and it just at times feels that this movie was just pieced together cameos to feature the big name actors that signed up. Only three actors were given enough screen time to have some character development and those were Josh Brolin, George Clooney and Alden Ehrenreich. They all gave great performances, but they are also the only three actors who are truly involved in the main story arc. Many of the other top billed actors just appear in quick cameos or scenes, and you don’t get a chance to connect with their characters.
The music chosen for the film was interesting because it gave you a sense of how the scene should feel.
“Hail, Caesar!” is a good light-hearted movie, but it is choppy in a few areas, and it is lacking when it comes to an overall resolution. Despite what this movie lacks, it is enjoyable and the many cameos that you will see are worth the price of admission.
Natalie: 4 out of 5
I say, all hail “Hail, Caesar!” Oscar-winning filmmakers Ethan and Joel Coen have created a truly enjoyable film.
Set in early 1950s Hollywood, “Hail, Caesar!” follows a day in the life of Eddie Mannix, played by Josh Brolin, who works as a “fixer” for Capitol Pictures. The film is energetic, fast-paced and fun-filled.
With an all-star cast, “Hail, Caesar!” is enjoyable and intriguing throughout the entirety of the film. Led by Brolin, the star studded cast is cohesive and has created a wonderful movie. Scarlette Johansson, George Clooney, Tilda Swinton and Channing Tatum play roles that are different than their typical tropes, and they all excel in these unique roles. Perhaps my favorite performance in this film was that of Alden Ehrenreich, your favorite Hollywood cowboy and a rising star sure for success after this performance.
My main complaint is that several of the stars did not have as much screen time as I thought they deserved. Many of the stars that appeared in the trailer only made a brief cameo in the actual film.
“Hail, Caesar!” pays tribute to the film industry of the past. It instills a sense of nostalgia for a time long ago. Its portrayal of 1950s Hollywood western films, musicals and dramatic pictures is spot-on.
The costuming and décor was time period appropriate and transported you to a past time and place. The characters’ mannerisms and behavior matched the 1950s aura as well. This film makes you feel as though you’re in the midst of stars like Gene Autry, Lucille Ball and Gene Kelly.
The film’s dry wit and giddy nature had me laughing throughout the film. There is a deeper side to this film, however, as it delves into deeper philosophical subject matter such as Nihilism, Communism and Marxism. The symbolism throughout, though subtle, is fascinating.
Bottom Line: This movie truly is a unique jewel. It’s an ultimate experience for a motion picture masterpiece! It is one of those films that makes you leave the theater smiling, and could you ask for a better experience?