Thinks it's more clever than it is

Rating: 4/10 (3 February 2017)

As a paean to Hollywood, it hits all the stereotypical notes; in other words, it's not very original. While it seems obvious that the Coen brothers have an affection for this country's cinematic roots, Hail, Caesar! is as shallow as it is glossy in its representation of the studio era, the behind- the-scenes exploits of its actors and directors, and (therefore) the need for a "fixer" like Eddie Mannix, who was a real person that's played by Josh Brolin.
The directors have included countless anecdotes to that time's well worn lore, but provide no unique insights or viewpoint. Because many of these references are obscure, they're likely of little value to a general audience; because they're too glib, they may even offend cinephiles. Overall, the film is rather mundane. That the movie's production design was nominated for an Academy Award is also surprising in that it appears to have been crafted to be on the same level of a Universal Studios tour attraction.