Movies are something Americans have enjoyed for about 100 years. We have a history with them. Hollywood is an enormous empire. So what is better than a movie about movies?

Throughout Hail, Caesar!  there are many references to world history as well as the history of the film industry. Set around the 1950’s, Hail Caesar!  takes on almost a noir feeling. Hollywood’s absurdities are displayed through wacky journalists and elaborate scandals, as well as the occasional threat of communism. The story itself follows Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin), a manager of a large studio. Transitions throughout the movie are often seen in the form of Brolin’s watch; the events of the movie all occur within 24 hours. Hail Caesar! is the biggest title being produced in Hail Caesar! (the movie took the title of the film being produced in the movie), and the main plot is focused around the sabotage of the film by screenwriters turned communists. Not only does the movie emphasize the craziness which goes on behind the scenes, it also shows the extent to which the Hollywood managers must deal with their actors. Soon-to-be single mothers and  a briefcase full of $100,000 are all in a day’s work for Eddie Mannix.

Hail, Caesar! is a different type of film. It does not emphasize action or very much intrigue, but what it does have is carefully planned out to maximize interest in the story. There are no car chases or violent encounters, but there is tasteful dry humor; personally I think one could compare it to a British comedy.

Many reviews have criticized Hail Caesar! for not having enough emotion or being funny enough. But the emotion is there (although dulled for comic effect), as well as the humor, if only one looks for it. While the jokes are subtly hidden, I laughed more at Hail Caesar! than any movie for a very long time.