A Hollywood fixer in the 1950s works to keep the studio’s stars in line.
This movie had every possibility to be great. From an all-star cast consisting of Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson and the writer/directors Cohen Brothers, it really had a shot.
What an epic fail.
The story of a movie star getting kidnapped was enough for one film. Instead, the Cohens added in about four more story lines that never needed to occur. It was confusing, scattered and even boring at some points. Even communism from the 1950s is a part of the plot-line making it further more complicated and too much to follow.
The only laugh out loud moments are reserved for anyone who knows film terms and what actually happens behind the scenes as most movie-goers may not catch. Fortunately, I caught a couple.
There is one character, a cowboy who stars in western-type films named Hobie Doyle, who is endearing and very funny. That is the pinnacle of this movie from a much lesser known actor Alden Ehrenreich.
Instead of catering to getting an Academy Award and making Hollywood enjoy the film, the Cohens should have written a more focused story that would not only entertain the masses but do what they do best–make people laugh.
If you want to see a movie with some Hollywood hotshots and don’t mind spending upwards of $15 to do so, this is for you. If not, don’t waste your time or money.
Hail Caesar! Is given 1 out of 5 stars.