Available today on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD is the crazy comedy, Hail Caesar!
Hail Caesar! has an impressive all-star cast that consists of Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Jonah Hill, Scarlett Johansson, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton and Channing Tatum.
When I do movie reviews I prefer to do my own brief synopsis of the film rather than use synopsis from press releases. This movie is so nutty that rather than lose people with my own interuptation, I’ll stick with the more organized official press release version which would make more sense. There is A LOT that goes on in this film that I am afraid I’ll either miss something or confuse readers.
Hail, Caesar! follows a single day in the life of Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin), head of production and all-around problem solver for Hollywood studio Capitol Pictures. When Baird Whitlock (George Clooney), the world’s biggest star, is kidnapped in the middle of production on the studio’s latest swords-and-sandals epic, Eddie will have to recover his leading man while simultaneously appeasing cowboy star Hobie Doyle (Alden Ehrenreich), disgruntled director Laurence Laurentz (Ralph Fiennes), swimming sensation DeeAnna Moran (Scarlett Johansson) and song-and-dance superstar Burt Gurney (Channing Tatum), all while horse-trading information to keep his talents’ names out of the gossip columns written by a pair of rival siblings, Thora and Thessaly Thacker (Tilda Swinton).
George Clooney (Gravity,) Channing Tatum (Magic Mike, 21 Jump Street) Scarlett Johansson (Lucy), Jonah Hill (The Wolf of Wall Street), Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men), Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton), Ralph Fiennes (The Grand Budapest Hotel), Alden Ehrenreich (Blue Jasmine) and Frances McDormand (HBO’s “Olive Kittredge”) star in the Coen Brothers’ comedy that Richard Roeper (Chicago S-T) calls “A comedic tour de force.”
This movie is on the go-go-go from star to finish. It’s a fun film.
Although this film is touted as a comedy, it does have a touch of drama to it.
Back in the day, Hollywood studios were dealing with communism. There was even a blacklist of writers, directors and actors that no one would work with due to their communist ties. If you are interested in a film about this you should check out Trumbo. I reviewed it a while back. That is a good film.
Hail Caesar! has a touch of that Hollywood history in it with the communist, The Future.
I love that this film pays homage to the classic films of the 40’s and 50’s including dancing musicals, synchronized swimming (think Esther Williams) and epic, big budget films like Cleopatra. I actually enjoy film like that so it was great to see those types of films being represented in Hail Caesar!
This movie was more fun then it was funny. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a funny film. What I mean seeing how movies are made and the crazy cast of characters in this film were fun to watch.
I loved Channing Tatum in this film. He certainly has talent (more than just Magic Mike).
I enjoyed George Clooney in this film too. He’s known for his more dramatic role, but I think his true calling is comedy.
I found this film to be thoroughly entertaining. Even my husband enjoyed it very much.
Of course there are plenty of bonus features worth checking out.
Blu-ray and DVD Bonus Features:
Directing Hollywood – The Coen Brothers have been making their mark on Hollywood for decades, creating acclaimed movies with their unmistakable brand of humor and unique storytelling style. As Joel and Ethan Coen discuss why they wanted to set their film in 1950s Hollywood, the all-star cast talks about working with this talented duo.
The Stars Align – Who better to appear in a film about Golden Age Hollywood and its stars than today’s biggest and brightest A-list talent? George Clooney, Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson, Jonah Hill, Josh Brolin, Tilda Swinton, Ralph Fiennes, Alden Ehrenreich, and Frances McDormand all join the Coen brothers in their Hollywood playground. The cast shares what drew them to the project, the secrets of the unique and zany characters they play and how the Hollywood of Hail, Caesar! differs from the Hollywood they know.
An Era of Glamour – From the costumes to the sets, no details were spared in Hail, Caesar! and the production designer, costume designer and other key design professionals sit down to talk about how this exciting era was returned to the big screen.
Magic of a Bygone Era – Hail, Caesar! features two classic-in-the-making musical numbers: an aquatic spectacle featuring Scarlett Johansson and a rousing tap dance from Channing Tatum. The cast and crew explain the process of bringing these scenes to life, from costumes to choreography and everything in between.
Look for Hail Caesar! where ever movies are sold.
Below is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment. Remember the film is available for home viewing.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy to review. There was no compensation. The opinion expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.