THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD This weekend sees the release of "Hail, Caesar," the latest effort from the Coen brothers. Now I'll be the first to admit that I am very hit and miss with these filmmakers. I loved "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "Fargo," but couldn't get behind "Intolerable Cruelty" or "The Lady Killers."
Thankfully for all of us, "Hail, Caesar" falls more in line with the former films than the latter.
While this quirky comedy set in 1950-something isn't a homerun or even one of the Coen's best films, it is fun and there are a few reasons it's worth seeing.
The cast
The cast of "Hail, Caesar" reads like a guest list to a swanky Hollywood party with names like George Clooney, Channing Tatum, Tilda Swinton, Josh Brolin, Scarlett Johansson, Frances McDormand, Jonah Hill, Alison Pill, Ralph Fiennes and Christopher Lambert to name a few. Some of these big names have only one scene, but they make sure to knock it out of the park when it's their turn.
One cast member in particular that really stole the show for me was Alden Ehrenreich. He's not a household name, but the young actor stands out in a sea of veterans, and I am looking forward to seeing his career move forward.
It's funny
Now, I need to preface this with the understanding that the Coen brothers' humor isn't necessarily for everyone. If you couldn't stand "Raising Arizona" or "The Hudsucker Proxy," then "Hail, Caesar" may not be your cup of tea. If you like the off-the-wall humor of those films then this will be right up your alley.
I found myself choking on popcorn kernels more than once when I laughed out loud and sucked down some of the buttery goodness. The movie has some great lines, hilarious visuals and witty dialogue.
Channing Tatum's dance scene
If there is one reason in particular you need to see "Hail, Caesar" it's for the musical number "No Dames" with Channing Tatum. Not only is the choreography fantastic, but it's the funniest thing I've seen in a movie so far in 2016. I was in tears watching this segment when what was happening hit me like a ton of bricks.
Please be warned that the number is very suggestive, but it's the innocence of the suggestiveness that really got me rolling in the isle.
Overall
"Hail, Caesar" isn't an amazing film, and in the Coen catalogue it's middle of the pack, but that doesn't mean it's not worth a gander. The film will have you laughing, have you thinking with its strong allegorical tale and shaking your head at the absurdity playing out on screen.
"Hail, Caesar" is rated PG-13 for some suggestive content and smoking. There is no language, violence, or sex scenes, but the themes are geared toward an adult audience.
Thankfully for all of us, "Hail, Caesar" falls more in line with the former films than the latter.
While this quirky comedy set in 1950-something isn't a homerun or even one of the Coen's best films, it is fun and there are a few reasons it's worth seeing.
The cast
The cast of "Hail, Caesar" reads like a guest list to a swanky Hollywood party with names like George Clooney, Channing Tatum, Tilda Swinton, Josh Brolin, Scarlett Johansson, Frances McDormand, Jonah Hill, Alison Pill, Ralph Fiennes and Christopher Lambert to name a few. Some of these big names have only one scene, but they make sure to knock it out of the park when it's their turn.
One cast member in particular that really stole the show for me was Alden Ehrenreich. He's not a household name, but the young actor stands out in a sea of veterans, and I am looking forward to seeing his career move forward.
It's funny
Now, I need to preface this with the understanding that the Coen brothers' humor isn't necessarily for everyone. If you couldn't stand "Raising Arizona" or "The Hudsucker Proxy," then "Hail, Caesar" may not be your cup of tea. If you like the off-the-wall humor of those films then this will be right up your alley.
I found myself choking on popcorn kernels more than once when I laughed out loud and sucked down some of the buttery goodness. The movie has some great lines, hilarious visuals and witty dialogue.
Channing Tatum's dance scene
If there is one reason in particular you need to see "Hail, Caesar" it's for the musical number "No Dames" with Channing Tatum. Not only is the choreography fantastic, but it's the funniest thing I've seen in a movie so far in 2016. I was in tears watching this segment when what was happening hit me like a ton of bricks.
Please be warned that the number is very suggestive, but it's the innocence of the suggestiveness that really got me rolling in the isle.
Overall
"Hail, Caesar" isn't an amazing film, and in the Coen catalogue it's middle of the pack, but that doesn't mean it's not worth a gander. The film will have you laughing, have you thinking with its strong allegorical tale and shaking your head at the absurdity playing out on screen.
"Hail, Caesar" is rated PG-13 for some suggestive content and smoking. There is no language, violence, or sex scenes, but the themes are geared toward an adult audience.