Friday, February 5, 2016

Hail, Caesar! (2016)

Rated: PG-13 - Runtime: 100 min
tesg's Rating: Three stars (out of four)

As loaded as this movie is, there is a clear standout star, and it's Josh Brolin.  His Eddie Mannix is the guy tasked with keeping his actors in check and keeping the studio running.  Everyone else is part of the paintbrush, even if Clooney steals every scene he's in (as absurd as that sounds).

The sets and cinematography are a wonder.  Easter eggs are everywhere.  Standout scenes include a religious discussion, Scarlett Johansson's water sequence (which looks like something straight out of a Wes Anderson feature), and the Navy musical scene, the funniest thing in the movie.

And yet...I wouldn't put this on the list of the Coen Brother's best efforts.  And I'm not sure why.

Still, well worth the bother.  I would even encourage multiple viewings.  You're certain to catch little nuances you missed the first time.