There are only a handful of filmmakers that I put into the category of “never made a bad film.”
Woody Allen, Brian DePalma, and the Coen Brothers come to mind immediately; Though you’re likely to argue with that, let me further explain the category.
Certain filmmakers (generally the auteurs) are so focused on a singular vision, that negative reviews become moot on delivery.
Joel and Ethan Coen have a wildly uneven filmography at a basic “genre” level, but there are often common themes. My favorite of their stories involve criminal comeuppance, basic human nature and, of course, the meaningless path life takes, regardless of where you come from.
HAIL, CAESAR! is what one might call a “minor” Coen Brothers film.
Unlike the usual “for your consideration” timing, their newest is a Q1 release from a major studio with an all-star cast yet modest (but stretched) budget. It comes across as a make-good, and in fact is a film that took over 10 years to get to the screen.
Thankfully, the movie is a blast. Especially for true fans of classic cinema, or American history buffs with a good sense of humor. Hail, Caeser! has a hodgepodge of films within the film fighting with a McGuffin of a storyline, but it’s never less than entertaining.
The Hudsucker Proxy (1994) was probably not their most expected next film, after their critically acclaimed Miller’s Crossing (1990) and Barton Fink (1991) unleashed existential mind-benders on audiences. Then again, after the major film festival buzz of Blood Simple (1984), I doubt anyone expected a team-up with Sam Raimi (Crimewave, 1986) or the silly cat and mouse action of Raising Arizona (1987).
The duo pulled the same surprise with Intolerable Cruelty (2003) after celebrated films like the audience favorite O Brother, Where Art Though? (2000) and the critically well received The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001).
Though arguably their most misguided film, The Ladykillers (2004) came next, I still say it was a spirited Americanization of the original.
Currently Oscar nominated for co-writing the great screenplay for Bridge of Spies (2015), the brothers Coen will have their seat at this year’s big award ceremony. Hail, Caeser! isn’t of the same caliber (except in the production design department), and was likely to land them an Oscar for writing or directing.
It is, however, worth seeing especially if you’re a fan of their work. I, for one, am on pins and needles for their next.
