A Hollywood Homage with No Story

Rating: 4/10 (5 February 2016)

Sadly, Hail, Caesar!, is a misfire in the eyes of this reviewer, especially given that it is a Coen Brother's film. This is one of those times where A+ quality people made a C- movie. Simply put, this is a classic case of a movie trailer being more entertaining than the actual movie itself.
I understand that the movie is a satire on Hollywood and the craziness that goes on there, but it could have at-least been a bit more amusing. We are shown the craziness of random casting changes, Hollywood gossip, political intervention, director-actor relationships, and the difficulty of keeping everything together. But in doing so, the overall story meanders and never comes full circle (or all that coherent for that matter). The title character (Brolin) goes from one set to the next as we are shown elaborate dance scenes, giant sets, and behind the scenes turmoil. The problem is these scenes do nothing to advance the plot. It's a nice trip down memory lane to see old school productions, but that's it. It's all glitz and glamour and no brains.
Caesar may have a ton of star power and production designs galore, but it simply lacks the most fundamental aspect a movie requires, entertainment. I wish I could say I found the movie hilarious or thought-provoking or tense, but I can't. Everything here felt half-baked and the story that seemed to be at the core felt very underdeveloped. Leading to the overall experience being rather boring (I know this is one of the worst words to describe a movie but it appropriately fits here). For a superior experience, go watch 'Trumbo' instead.