'He didn't see a Roman or a Slave, but a man.'

Rating: 9/10 (12 June 2016)

The words above come from George Clooney's character Baird Whitlock (as Caesar) as he finally stands at the foot of the movie lot cross and attempts to deliver a message that gives the movie meaning. But the movie really doesn't have meaning – it is pure entertainment, compliments of the Coen Brothers. And that is why the pseudo-serious phrase is funny.
To keep the scenario short, 'Hail Caesar! follows a day in the life of Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin), a Hollywood fixer for Capitol Pictures in the 1950s, who cleans up and solves problems for big names and stars in the industry. But when studio star Baird Whitlock (George Clooney) disappears, Mannix has to deal with more than just the fix. Add to this the stereotype films of the 40s and 50s – romances in elegant settings, Bible epics, Esther Williams underwater ballets, Hopalong Cassidy (and all Western) movies, Gene Kelley type dance movies - and movie lots with all manner of shenanigans (star turns, temperamental stars, cowboys who become romance boys because they are 'needed', intrigue, influence of the Communist party aka blacklist, etc) and you get an idea of the fun of the spoof.
The major star turn here is Josh Brolin who manages a role that is equal parts tough and likable and funny. He is aided by such stars as George Clooney (of course), Scarlett Johansson, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Channing Tatum, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Jonah Hill, and the team of 'Future Men' (the communist circle who are out to destroy capitalism – with a little help from the inside).
The film is Coen Brothers fun, not to be taken too seriously but appreciated for its parody of the Holly wood of the 40s and 50s. Kick back and just laugh.