Hail, Ceasar! 2016

                                

I finally got around to watching the star studded flick: Hail, Ceasar!

Recently released to Netflix, I am so glad I never paid the admission price to see this movie in theatre. 

For those not aware, Hail Ceasar! centers on a kidnapped star (George Clooney) and his movie manager (Josh Brolin) who tries to put out all the fires at the movie studio.

I sincerely thought that this movie would be funny, entertaining, and a pleasure to watch. 

IMDB: 6.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 85% with audience score of 44%

ZuniB: 2/5

So I have five criteria that I base a film on. 

1. Cinematically pleasing: includes cinematography, costuming, and overall appeal

2. Underlying Score: Does the music support the story 

3. Acting: Actors show range and pull me into the story

4. Plot/Story: Did the story engage? Did it have all the things a story needed?

5. Would I personally buy it to add to my collection

Let us address the criteria as it applies to this film. 

1. I did find the overall affect of the film to be pleasing to the eye. I enjoyed the organization of the plot points. Costuming was fantastic! The overall appeal was good. I give a point. 

2. I cannot recall a standout score. I'm sure, like in all films, there was something to cover the quiet moments between conversation and I did like the noir style transition music that was apparent. I give 1/2 a point.

3. I really liked the idea of such a star-studded cast coming together to do something strange and quirky. I found all the actors fun to watch in roles that they normally don't inhabit. With the exception of the brooding Brolin. I particularly enjoyed Channing Tatum singing and showing a little more range than he normally does. However, Tatum's character was really the only standout of the entire cast. So I give only 1/2 a point. 

4. When your cellphone is more interesting than the movie you are watching, there is a problem. I frequently checked the notifications that popped up on my phone and found it daunting to engage with. There were moments I found myself smiling due to something witty or how an event played out but nothing that really "glued me" to the story. It was lackluster for the hype it was given. 

5. My profound joy at not having paid the full $15 admission or even $2.50 for a rental cannot be described. Sadly, this movie will not be added to my collection.

When the film ended, it was a moment of "that just happened". Which is not something the movie studios should strive for. 

Please let me know what you thought of the movie and I will gladly watch/read/listen to any suggestions and review.

I will post a review once a week on Wednesdays! 

Much love to all,

ZB