Hail, Coens!

Rating: 8/10 (7 February 2016)

Hail, Caesar is written and directed by the Coen Brothers. It stars Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum an Ralph Finnes along with Tilda Swinton, Jonah Hill, and Francis McDormand.
In the early 1950s, Eddie Mannix is busy at work trying to solve all the problems of the actors and filmmakers at Capitol Pictures. His latest assignments involve a disgruntled director, a singing cowboy, a beautiful swimmer and a handsome dancer. As if all this wasn't enough, Mannix faces his biggest challenge when Baird Whitlock gets kidnapped while in costume for the swords-and-sandals epic "Hail, Caesar!" If the studio doesn't pay $100,000, it's the end of the line for the movie star.
I love the Coen Brothers. Actually let me rephrase that, I love the Coen Brothers when they are the Coen Brothers. Recently its seems to be the case that whenever a Coen Brother film comes out, it feels less like them and more like a weird version of them. Movies like A Serious Man, Burn After Reading, Lady Killers, Inside Llewellyn Davis, and to some extent, True Grit loose some of the trademark Coen Brother quirks that made films like Fargo, The Big Lebowski, and No Country for Old Men so successful. The Black Humor.
I am more than happy to say that the Coens got their mojo back and produced one of their best films to date. In Hail, Caesar, its rather obvious that the two weren't put under any restraint, which resulted in what might actually be their most original-if not the funniest- film to date.
Filled to the brim with high brow humor and their signature black comedy, Hail, Caesar's script floured me. A satire with intelligent and thought provoking commentary, this movie succeeds at conveying its timely messages with sledge hammer force while keeping the humor as light as a feather. I loved how easily the Brothers subverted well worn clichés to deliver a movie that is truly out of the ordinary. The Coens also manage to craft elaborately strange and entertaining characters with fascinating stories and subplots. With all that said however I did feel that part of this movie's script, especially nearing the end, began to feel a bit uneven. Though the Brothers strive to instill a profound message about life and the film industry, they come off a bit pretentious and seem to have bit of a little more than they could chew. In addition to this, some character payoffs like Tatum's and Johansson's seem way to dull in comparison to Clooney's and Brolin's. Although this may be the case this film never looses steam as the pristine direction and wonderful cast always seem ready and willing to compensate
This movie is a technical marvel that is flawless on every level. For one the production design is immaculate, instituting a firm 1950's feel with hidden references all over, like the spaghetti western. Onward to the masterful cinematography by living legend Roger Deakens, who managed to capture life in the golden age of film with just the right tint.
The direction in this movie was by far the best part of Hail, Caesar. Every single shot is so inspired, its remarkable. From the fabulous musical openings for central character's, the best of which has to be Johansson's, to the precise semi-noir style of some segments, Ethan and Joel deliver, their hands down best directed film to date. My personal favorite shot is that of Josh Brolin praying to the set of the movie which truly felt like a reflection of his inner state.
Speaking of Josh Brolin, he delivers a comedic performance like no other and thoroughly breaks type cast. He was remarkably nuanced, while staying true to his character. If the Oscar nominations weren't already out I would be a great advocate for his nomination along with the nomination of Alden Ehrenreich. Alden Ehrenreich was a big surprise for me as he seemed to outshine most if not all of his uber talented cast. He was funny, kind, and light hearted. Accompanying him was the ever so talented Ralph Finnes as he successfully continues his comedic endeavors.
Hail, Caesar is a flawlessly directed, impeccably cast, and passionately written, resulting in one of the Coen Brother's best in years. Hail Caesar gets an A- or a 8/10.