Hail, Caesar! - Official Movie Review 

Congrats to Ben for finally watching a movie

* slow clap * Shocked that Ben was the only one to understand the movie (it's about faith & religion, essentially)... I think Hail Caesar will slowly grow in critical perception in years to come, like a lesser Big Lebowski.

I can feel my hair growing long while listening to Ben give a synopsis of a movie.

I just knew Christy was going to talk about Roger Deakins. lol

I have a feeling channing Tatum is trying to act in more serious films, a good move , it worked for Mathew mcaunerhagahghghy

Ben owns this review.

Super glad to see the big 4 back!

Is it me or has Matt lost a ton of weight. If so, congrats man and good to have u back. Also loved this discussion, and make more reviews this long. The fact that u had such a long good discussion proves how good this movie actually is. Hopefully you'll see it again and grow to love it (i would love to see a take 2 review of this movie from u guys later in the year). Anyway's thanks for making great reviews that actually have some substance behind them. I now know who Gene Hagen and Esther Williams is because of this.

Another great Coens film that people have dismissed because of misled expectations. I think this is one that will be more appreciated over time. "It just ends." As do most Coens movies. They definitely have resolutions (the other reviewers commented on what loose ends were resolved, we also find out about what the supposed 'On Wings As Eagles' scandal was about and Brolin's smooth and swift clamp down on Swinton's "journalistic" threat) but a major, cathartic pay-off has never been their repertoire. They end in the way where major plot devices, MacGuffins, and sometimes characters are left astray, their relevance in the grand scheme being questioned in the process (somewhat of a spoiler, but this is the third Coens I can think of where a suitcase of money is involved and a seemingly major plot point but in the end is lost, its purpose revealed to be just that, a device discarded and thus rendered meaningless in light of every other, more significant thing that has happened and is going on - only here it's played for laughs whereas Fargo and No Country were decidedly more grim), and sometimes leaves us with just small words, images and actions to reflect on afterwards and perhaps what greater meaning they may convey for the rest of the picture. Their films are filled with brilliantly grandiose moments that gradually settle on humble resolutions. This movie stays true to that Coens method and does so with gusto, and much hilarity at that.

Alden was great in Francis Coppola's Tetro.

Entertaining and knowledgeable banter from the review team! For the record, I've seen Hail, Caesar! twice now ,and I must say the jokes landed much more consistently the second time round :) Apart from the very infrequent misfires (Intolerable Cruelty, Burn After Reading), the Coen brothers have been on monstrous directorial form every since Fargo. Finest breathing filmmakers alongside Cronenberg, Fincher and Paul Thomas Anderson.

Great to see all the gang together again, having said that, bring Dave back!!

Tatum is now Coen gold for doing that dance scene. And the crazy leaps. Brolin is simply delicious perfection, as he was in Inherent Vice. Very easy to watch especially with that great hair work, which is almost a character in itself. That Chinese restaurant is a dream set, and I remember just bathing in it while I watched it. I think I was on Gabapentin, because of leg sciatica, and somehow the combo of the film and the meds was like soaking in a warm spa. So, zero complaints. Beautiful production to this film. And very cool to see Swinton looking so attractive, and finally seeing Scarlet with something to sink her chops into. Sometimes I see the Coen's prowling the streets of San Francisco, and even wound up sitting next to them and who I believe to be relatives at Perry's on Union St. Funny, my friend across from me didn't believe they were sitting to his left, and I said, well turn and look...and at that moment he said his neck was stuck and he couldn't move it. You can't write this shit. Had to take a phone pic to show him later, as he still didn't believe they were sitting next to him. What a goomba.

An almost 20-minute movie review from them?! Wow!

I got an 8.0 rounded. Nice job Alonso.

I went to see this with a friend the other night; in many ways I'm exactly the kind of person this movie isn't for. I'm not a huge Coen Brothers fan, I'm not a huge comedy fan, and I'm not a huge fan of classic, golden age Hollywood. That being said, I still enjoyed it. I thought all the performances were good, the jokes all landed. I just felt that there was a lot of excess and indulgence going on in regards to the celebration of old Hollywood that I'm just not the kind of person who enjoys because that isn't something I have a deep love for, but I could see how someone else could appreciate it because it's the kind of excess and indulgence that I love in movies about subject matter I am invested in. So, I actually ended up liking the Brolin scenes more than the rest because I felt that several - not all of them - had a nice Noir feel and the ones that didn't had some great comedy in them. I also like how Tatum has apparently decided that his career trajectory from here on out is to play the stealth villain, something I think he's much more suited for than playing the hero.

Huge Coen Brothers fan but this is for Ben. I'm in the middle of season one of "Mozart in the Jungle" and I remember you trashing it before you even saw it, winning the Golden Globe over "Veep" in its first season, humph, and I completely agreed with you. But we were dead wrong!...It's brilliant and I think you should see it and discuss it on WTF. I know it's a half hour show but it deserves an exception. You're welcome in advance.

I'm glad Christy said she liked Inside Llewyn Davis much more the second time she saw it.

Going to see this in two hours... so excited!!

Ben: 'I was engaged enough' - 8.6 score. Jeez I thought the reviews were going to be lower based on the reviews you were giving. Can't wait to see this, I loved Inside Llewyn Davis a lot. People say that movie is 'too depressing' but it's wonderful.

This was such a fun movie and there were so many great details to watch for, like the Oscars and the cigarettes that represented power throughout. The acting was great to watch, too, because not only did they replicate the style of the 50s, but they all looked like they had fun doing it. I would definitely watch this again!

Glorious trailer. Can't wait to see this one. Coen Bros films do often require multiple viewings. True Grit, for instance. First time 'round I hated it. Didn't understand all the artsy fartsy elusions. Couple years later watched again. It had grown on me. Then I watched the original with John Wayne and could see how the Coens had improved the telling . . . more context. When Jennifer Lawrence gave her Golden Globe acceptance speech she said to David O. Russell "I want to be buried next to you" and I got that connection between Rooster Cogburn and Mattie. As a team they brought out the best in each other.

Plus.....Alden will get a Best Supporting Actor nomination for next year :) my prediction...

The Coens never fail me. Love all their films. With the exception of the lady killer.

I really think Ben was pretty much on point with his review. But, one thing I disagree with is that I think that Eddie (Josh Brolin) is the main character in the film. He is the framework. The character that ties everything together. George Clooney is the main subtext story. But, the Coen Brothers were trying to make a point about their love of the history of movies. Brolin is their persona in this. He loves movies. He thinks what he does is socially important. What the flick actually seems to love this more than the review. 2 of the 4 want to see it again, and Christy said it might resonate with her after she thinks about it. Check out the Channing Tatum dance scene, it alone is worth the price of admission. Best wishes to movie lovers, Ted

Everything Christy, Matt, Alonso, and Ben said about this movie, especially their negative criticisms, perfectly describes my favorite kind of Coen Bros movie (the "WTF was this about?" movie). If The Big Lebowski or Burn After Reading came out today, their reviews would be identical to this one.

yay. all 4 . let's try and keep it this way

Am I the only one who read this movie as the Coen Brothers' utter contempt for a Hollywood in which that they themselves are complicit? They feel a certain moral and intellectual superiority to an industry from which they can't seem to wrench themselves. They're so arrogant and condescending, yet, to my endless bemusement, I'm a huge fan.

Welcome back Matt!

Good mix of reviews so far nothing saying this movie sucks so far, I may check it out after all.

"Would that it were so simple?"

Personally I loved the social commentary showed through the movies they are making at studio but the fact that it's is portrayed in the 1950s camp fashion brilliant film

Vow this movie had a big cast. One of the really big cast I have seen. The Coen brothers usually do not have big casts. They refrain from hiring a star cast but stick to more low profile casting.

As much as I enjoyed this movie, it´s nothing compared to previous Coen films like Barton Fink, Fargo, No Country for Old Men, etc. It´s one of those films that was probably a lot funnier to make than to watch.

I liked it a lot. Such an enjoyable and strange and well put together film. The woman who the cowboy actor went to the movie opening with....Carmen Moranda? In any event....it was so funny.

"Ben, what's the movie about?" "Oh, its about Hollywood and the changes of the industry and the passing of time and the origin of life... Oh and I really liked that part where... How good was Clooney?... I was a little of with the portray of... did you guys see that?... I thought it was a good movie. I love the Coen brothers... ... ..." For the love of God, sombody tell Ben to stop making the introduction statements so freaking long. What is the movie about and roll the clip. Then you can comment all you want.

I liked this movie, certainly the plot of it. This is again one of Coen's idiosyncratic plots complete with with oddball characters, and some deep psychological themes and plot twists. But this movie is undone by it style. This movie lacks the trademark slow burn and film noir style where they really get deep into the ideas and the characters are more serious or genuine. This movie adopts bright colors and a more mainstream directorial approach than the usual slow burn dim colored style of the Coen's. Why the Coen's chose the more regular style over their tested and trademark film noir slow burn style is something that surprised me ? Also this is a movie set in the 50's so the retro dark or seedy themed shoot and directorial approach would have suited it better. And they are quite good at that. Other than that there are hardly any blemishes in the screenplay. Its quite good. There are a few character tracks which are not properly justified. For example Scarlett Johansson's track is interesting but we do not care for it as much because its not set up well. They could have found ways to make it more interesting. Like one of Tilda Swinton twins threatening to break a story on her. And the other threatening to break the story on Looney's past. That would have made it difficult for the lead and added more urgency to Johansson's angle. I also thought it was error to reveal Tatum's identity just before the climax. It would have added some extra layer of mystery if Tatum's identity was revealed at the end by Clooney or to Clooney and the other actor. Another problem is the casting. I am sorry to say Josh Brolin was not the best choice for this role. That character should have probably gone to either Ralph Fiennes or George Clooney. I am not saying Brolin was bad. But this movie revolved around him. Not for once is Brolin able to a give a feel of the madness, or the urgency of situation to the viewer. Its partly because of the directorial style and color theme. But the tall well built and tough looking Brolin was not the best choice to play a mild mannered and smooth studio executive. He just did not fit in the role. Even the last scene where he breaks the secret to Tilda Swinton is just so ordinary. I give this a 6. This movie had the trademark plot of Coen's movie but it lacked their trademark style of direction.

Looking good Matt!

What happened to the latest X-files review?

This sounds like a fun movie that's not a great movie. There is always room for that. Even the music on the trailer feels the same way. I want to see it. Edited this because I just saw it. I enjoyed it, I laughed, and the scenes the re-create the film styles of the late 40's and early 50's are excellent. I found the music on the trailer. It's Jamie N Commons - RUMBLE AND SWAY.

This movie wandered around aimlessly and not in a fun way. There are only two reasons you like this movie. You get 50s Hollywood and all the inside jokes (like the ones they mentioned here) or you are afraid to critique the Coen Brothers and the superstars in this one. I hope Christy is right and maybe i'll enjoy it as time goes on. More than likely the general public is going to be confused on this one.

Clancy Brown aka Mr. Krabs from Spongebob is in this.

Damn, you fast Alonso

I thought the movie was about the movie makers who are torn between caesar (capitalists) vs jesus (socialist).... In the end because of their compliance to whats going on, they sticked with capitalism (hail caesar) despite having faith that there will be some form of jesus (socialism)

The Coens have subverted our expectations yet again. After seeing so many disappointed reviews I'm really looking forward to this. WTF has been one of the few good, well rounded reviews.

When you dont question Alonso's math cuz its fucking Math...

You had me at Robert Picardo.

There was so much to this story that deserved more depth! I wish they'd make this into a series like they did with Fargo. The cast was incredibly good, most characters are interesting enough to have more screentime and the narratives of the communism scare, money in moviemaking and the way actors had/have their images produced for other media than film etc were all fun too.

I wasn't into it. Although I did like Scarlett Johannsons character and I liked Channing Tatums dance scene.

A total misfire from the Coen Bros, 2016's first great disappointment

I really enjoyed this movie. I know it's not for everyone but it is for me.

I wanted to see more of 'carlotta' :) much more...

I forgot Intolerable Cruelty was a Cohen Bros. film.

I loved this movie thoroughly enjoyed every part of it. plus there's no dirty language or violence or nudity like most films have today.

francavilla's poster as a thumbnail, neat

I really enjoy your reviews but please be careful with spoilers. In Matt's excitement he spoiled what sounds like a big plot point about Tilda Swinton's character(s) and her interaction with another character.

So where are the reviews for The Choice, Regression, The Boy, Norm of the North, Jane Got a Gun, and The Forest? These guys are professional movie critics, yet they only seem to see half of the movies released every week...

I'm probably just going to see this for the sound track

Could you not spoil the entire movie?

I'm with Christy on this

Alden Ehrenreich is adorable in this. Channing Tatum was hilarious and Scarlett Johansson was great. All the supporting characters were much more entertaining than Josh Brolin's typical manic tough guy schtick in a quirky comedy..

Good movie ...but I really wish they just made a movie about "The Rise and Fall of Western Star HOBEY DOIL" ...That character was awesome.

I hope the Cohens keep putting out lighter fare like this; I guess I'm getting too old and soft for the violence and turmoil of their bigger hits (including the comedies).

Christy, Alonso is the one that's wrong about "Stoker", not you.

7.95

How come WTF? almost ALL the time goes naturally against the reviews from collider, schmoes know and jeremy? Everyone is haiting on this movie, and I watched this expecting his typical hate for almost every movie and now Ben only have love and laughter for Hail Caesar? I mean I'll watch it regardless but it just got me curious

There are no characters to care about in this movie. Pretty major flaw that made watching it an ordeal. Hard to believe this is from the same pair that made Barton Fink (1991), a far funnier and more perceptive take on mid-century Hollywood. Hail, Caesar! struck me as a failed soft reboot of Singin' in the Rain (1952) with a tacked on moral (and audience laughter scene) lifted from Sullivan's Travels (1941).

Stop letting Ben intro the movies! It takes sooooo long!

This review was funny. I have no idea what this movie is about, because they just interrupted each other with references they recognized, that I'm not savvy enough to understand. This seems like a movie-buff's movie.

what do you know, Alden Ehrenreich will now star as Han Solo

If they ever make a film set in ancient Rome or anytime in ancient history, don't let Clooney have a row, he looks so out of place.

Right side = smart half of room; left side = _______________

Yes, there is very little substance HERE! Swing and miss.

7.95 Alonso, 7.95

UGh!!! This movie blowssss!!!!!!!!!!

Ben Mankiewicz nailed it.

Did Matt lose weight? His hair looks nice, too!

I don't know if I've ever disagreed with more with this channel then this review .. I honestly thought this was the worst Cohen brothers movies I've ever seen

It is NOT the endof the Roman Empire, Get your history correct, it is the BEGINNING of the empire... Caesar wasn't even an Emperor yet, Augustus was the first Emperor.

Wow 108 likes and not a single dislike as I type this. That's a first for a TYT video!

A disjointed slow movie, with too much time given to a boring Josh Brolin plot instead of giving all of the other talented actors more to do.

i know theyll.shit on this movie but its not that bad

Ben couldn't be a professor on my campus. gosh his voice is annoying.

B-

How would the fictional Caesar movie be taking places during the last days of the Roman empire? The Roman Empire BEGAN with Augustus, who was emperor during the Crucifixion. How it has anything to do with Christ is beyond me already as Caesar was dead before Christ came on the scene. There were other Caesars of course (like Augustus) but when you just say "Caesar" you mean Julius Caesar. What Caesar is this movie's movie supposed to be about?

so frustrating. i just got back from seeing this. so frustrating. a solid 5 i guess. it wasn't llewyn davis bad. but meh. ehrenreich is charming though.

It was ok. Nothing special. Channing Tatum was the highlight and yet he was barely in it

Matt lost a ton of weight!

Why the careless spoiler about Tilda playing two characters?

I keep thinking this film won't be at all funny or clever as its portrayed.

Tilda Swindon is the best part of every movie she is in. Think about it.

Hail Caesar ! meets Christ and The Truth ? Hail the Coen Brothers for a movie that would that it were so simple, was in fact trippingly complex. The movie has many plots, and the most obvious is not seen, probably because of the trailers that misdirect us. Its a movie about people playing double parts, where the image and the reality is not real. The two twin sisters one good, one bad. The great cowboy actor who gets to play an aristocrate, the innocent swimmer who has been married three times, smoke like a fish...and on and on... What are my observations ? Its really about Eddie Manix, so religious and so Christian that he says his Rosary at his desk, and who has to go confession, every 20 hours. The production of Hail Caesar sees Eddie Manix to hold a meeting of the reps from the world religions, and the Jewish man really hates Christ. The communists are out to conquer Hollywood, and even a capitalist, and his hydrogen bomb tries to corrupt Eddie On and on...and the best is the last in the three minutes...the part before 'a truth we could see if we had but ...."Manix. Its suppose to be a presentation before the thief, but in fact its before Christ. Take another look... Caesar J. B. Squitti Author: "The LIGHT; The Rainbow of Truths..."

This is a story about Christianity / western culture vs. godless communism. And it's great and poignant

Most disappointing movie i've seen in a while. Few good scenes. They should've just focused on the communist subplot. 5/10. Good critic rating but horrible audience rating.

This movie was garbage!

Oh look, it's Ben Mankiewicz, Clinton's biggest supporter in TYT ¬¬ ...

The movie was awful