Review: HAIL, CAESAR!

By Renee’ Collins

Rating: 4.5 (Out of 5 Reels)

A Hollywood fixer (Josh Brolin) in the 1950s works to keep the studio’s stars in line (IMDB).

Having only seen one or part of any of the Cohen brother films this reviewer didn’t have much of an expectation for this film. Surely the Cohen brothers’ track record as well as the trailer will draw people to see this film as it did for me.

Talk about all hands on deck there is a long list of a-list actors in this film. Josh Brolin as Eddie Mannix, George Clooney as Baird Whitlock, Scarlet Johansson as DeeAnna Moran, Channing Tatum as Burt Gurney and Ralph Finnes as Laurence Laurentz.  What makes this film great begins with the excellent writing of the Cohen brothers which is then taken by the fabulous actors and brought to its highest level.  The comedy is written thoughtfully which is just the kind of film most will want to see.  This reviewer lives for the smart funny film as opposed to the plethora of stupid funny films that for some reason millions of people flock to see over and over again.

The standout of this film is Brolin’s portrayal of Eddie Mannix. His character is the one who keeps all the balls in the air and everything functioning for the studio.  His performance is nuanced because it has depth.  This film is over the top and kitschy but it works because of the wonderful writing, acting and attention to details.  The character development is wonderfully woven as each character comes into and out of the storyline.  This film is funny from beginning to end with a slight edge of seriousness when needed.

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