The politics of popcorn

Rating: 6/10 (10 February 2016)

Hail, Caesar! is a pleasant stroll through a fake 50's Hollywood studio starring mostly fictional characters who live their lives through the fantasies that their producers create. Though each scene shines spectacularly on its own, the movie never has any weighty moments to really tie the audience in and leave a significant lasting impression. However, the Coen Brothers nail the comedic moments, ultimately delivering a satisfying, and overall entertaining film.
Most of the film is viewed through the lens of Eddie Mannix, a real Hollywood film executive whose job it is to manage the circus-like freak show that is his production studio. Many pressing issues of the time period are briefly covered; everything from the Red Scare to homosexuality has a part to play, but the film never clearly elaborates on these heavier points. Instead, we are shown a series of small anecdotes that are shown to be regular, day to day happenings in the wacky life of the film industry. Since most of the situations ride on the edge of incredulity, the film feels more satirical than historical.
Out of all the amazing actors on this project, Alden Ehrenreich's surprisingly on point portrayal of a pseudo-realistic cowboy movie star really stole the show. Josh Brolin and Channing Tatum played their parts charmingly as well; however, I felt Clooney and Johansson's characters left more to be desired. Even though the rest of the cast had smaller parts than those aforementioned, they all played their eccentrically written parts well enough. The Coen's rapid fire dialogue pulled the film along, but never really provided an interesting narrative to follow. While I sympathized with Mannix's struggle, I never really bought into the Baird Whitlock kidnapping arc, which is what initially seemed like the main plot. Despite narrative-related short comings, clever dialogue and sharp acting really pulled the film together.
Though the Coen brothers hinted at deeper themes throughout the film, the only politics truly explored were those of the popcorn munching flicks of old. Funny, witty, yet shallow, Hail, Caesar! provides a solid hour and a half of entertainment.