As Messy As It Is Hilarious

Rating: 8/10 (12 February 2016)

Coen comedies always boast quick, smart dialogue that rivals the best of early-Hollywood's screwball heyday. However, their repartee can border on overly-heady, and Hail, Caesar! is no exception. It (somewhat haphazardly) covers topics as numerous and diverse as truth, Hollywood corruption, the odd marriage of Christianity & capitalism, and the misplaced awareness of our own sins. Luckily, none of that really matters, as Hail, Caesar! manages hilarity in spite of its own pretensions. The Coens' ability to poke fun at their own nihilistic ponderings bolsters this riotous yet complicated love-letter to old Hollywood. We follow 1950s film-studio fixer Eddie Mannix as he tries to keep his biggest productions on task, all the while dealing with actors and filmmakers who refuse to make his job easy (sloppy casting choices, unplanned pregnancies, abductions). The cast is amazing from top-to-bottom. Brolin carries the film with comedic confidence; Clooney shines in his role as a doofus Heston-esque star; and remember when we all thought Tatum was just dumb eye-candy? We were idiots. However, the standout of the bunch is relative newcomer Ehrenreich, as a uniquely funny good-ole-boy western star in over his head. With each of these characters, the Coens manage to systematically tear down the movie studio system while clearly showing affection for it. This mimicking of so many different styles shows a skill that cannot be overstated. While I think anyone could like Hail, Caesar!, students of Hollywood history will get extra enjoyment from the regal beauty and attention to detail that propel this period comedy. Despite the overreaching themes and messy editing, the Coens capable filmmaking hands make this a joyously fun farce despite its flaws.