The Movie Mensch is a longtime admirer of the Coen brothers and were beyond thrilled when it was announced that their latest project would be a crime comedy that took place during the so-called golden era of Hollywood, that anticipation meter went through the roof.
Then… we saw the all-star cast and was ready for the Coens and a who’s-who of Hollywood superstars to take us away to another time where the guys who brought us O Brother Where Art Thou? and Raising Arizona would make us laugh while a crime comedy unfolded before our eyes. Hail, Caesar! is out now on DVD and Blu-Ray.
George Clooney stars as the world’s biggest star, who goes missing after being kidnapped on the Hollywood set of his latest movie. Josh Brolin stars as the head of the studio, who also happens to be an expert fix-it guy that has saved and enhanced the careers of dozens of actors, actresses, writers and directors. Channing Tatum is an up-and-coming superstar that recalls Gene Kelly (who gets to do a stunning tap dance song and dance number that has us thinking he needs to do a full-on musical). Scarlett Johansson stars as an Esther Williams-type who is appearing in an aquatic-themed musical herself. Ralph Fiennes stars as classic golden age of Hollywood director, Alden Ehrenreich is his stumbles over his words star, Tilda Swinton nails it as twin gossip columnists and Jonah Hill is a man so committed to his job of helping Brolin’s character, he’s even spent time in jail for him.
All of the above intertwine in a plot that features a (quite complicated) day in the life of Brolin’s character. He is the main foil and he is brilliant, as we stated in our Hail, Caesar! review! Each actor is uncanny in their role and that is what saves the film from being one of the more mediocre movies that the Coens have produced.
But, if you’re a Coen brothers fan, this one will light up your face with a smile.
That is exactly why Hail, Caesar! is worth adding to your collection. The Coens are front and center from the script creation to filling out this world that is a drop-dead vision of what Tinsel Town must have been like back during those days. The Coens and their magic are also at the heart of the best bonus featurette in the entire home video release.
Directing Hollywood puts the spotlight firmly on the brothers Coen and the cast who clearly would do anything they asked. Joel and Ethan talk about why they were drawn to the 50s era of Hollywood and how this story had been kicking around in their heads for so long. They also explore what it was that forced them to put pen to paper and finally get this tale up on the big screen. The cast also waxes poetic about the filmmakers, as many who have worked with them before, in particular, show why they are so special. We especially enjoy the interviews with Clooney and Brolin, both Coen veterans, as they reveal what it is that makes these twin towers of brilliance so special.
Also quite compelling is the input from newbies to their world, particularly Tatum and Hill. The pure joy as they talk about the brilliance of these two storytellers also reminds us who have adored them for so long, what it is that makes them such a gift.
Speaking of the huge, star-laden cast, The Stars Align, is a terrific look at the A-list cast as they report what it was about playing characters during the heyday of the creative community they love that was so special for each and every one of them. Everyone comments, from Clooney, Tatum, Johansson, Hill, Brolin, Swinton, Fiennes, Ehrenreich, and Frances McDormand all join the Coen brothers in their Hollywood playground. What else is fascinating is everyone’s comments about how Hollywood has changed from the era of Hail Caesar to now.
Two of the finest moments in Hail, Caesar! involve musical numbers that are larger than life. Magic of a Bygone Era – Hail, Caesar! takes us inside the making of Johansson and Tatum’s scenes and makes one realize – they don’t make movie musicals like this anymore… and they should. Also, An Era of Glamour is a stunning look at how the Coens and their team produced costumes, sets and even the minutest of details that give Hail, Caesar! one of the more authentic feels of a movie that depicts this period that we’ve seen in some time.
Film: B
Bonus Features: B+