By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Why 'Hail, Caesar' is worth seeing
5d5cc82efe056fd9918fa82106f14ce9ba9c911e85929066bb1fb0a5406607b5
George Clooney in Hail, Caesar! (2016) - photo by John Clyde
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.
Sign up for our E-Newsletters
Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
638421_Screenshot_1.png
Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
Latest Obituaries