Cert 12A
106 mins
BBFC advice: Contains infrequent moderate sex references
It took Mrs W and I so long to get around to watching the Coen brothers' Hail Caesar! because its trailer really put us off.
Therefore, we were pleased and surprised how funny we found it.
In fact, I would even go as far as to suggest that the teaser gave a completely false impression. For a starter, George Clooney is made out to be the film's lead when, in reality, he is peripheral to most of it.
Also, the humour portrayed as wacky in the trailer is much more subtle.
Hail Caesar! is actually a love letter to 1950s cinema, giving an array of appreciated nods to what many consider to be its golden age with some extravagant throwbacks.
At its heart is studio producer Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin) who spends his life juggling his high-maintenance stars, directors and producers.
Among his charges are kidnapped superstar Baird Whitlock (Clooney) who is snatched by a group of communist writers.
Meanwhile, there are asides surrounding the pregnancy of the star (Scarlett Johansson) of lavish synchronised swimming movies and a pernickety director (Ralph Fiennes) who is exasperated by his hilarious attempts to turn a beloved cowboy (Alden Ehrenreich) into a serious actor.
Meanwhile, Tilda Swinton plays twin sisters who are vying for top spot among Hollywood's gossip columnists.
It is written by a duo whose language pokes gentle fun at bygone Hollywood without ever being sneering.
The Coen Brothers have the muscle to attract A-list actors and they add a polish to some of their wittier scenes.
It adds up to what will be one of the year's better comedies.
Reasons to watch: a real cinematic throw-back and surprisingly funny
Reasons to avoid: some scenes (with the communists) are a bit too wordy
Laughs: seven
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 8.5/10
Star tweet
Channing Tatum Learning to tap was a trip, but I'd do anything to work with the Coens.
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