Hail Caesar! pokes good fun at old Hollywood

Movie Title:       Hail, Caesar! 

Grade:   B+

Rating:   PG-13, 1 hour 45 minutes

In a Nutshell:    Four-time Oscar winning brothers Joel and Ethan Coen have created an extremely entertaining  comedy that pokes fun at Hollywood’s Golden Age, featuring a gigantic cast of today’s A-listers, including George Clooney, Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson, Ralph Fiennes, Josh Brolin, Jonah Hill, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, and so many more.

Uplifting theme: 

• “People don’t want the facts.  They want to believe.” – Eddie Mannix
• “God wants us to do what’s right.  The inner voice that tells us what’s right comes from God.” – priest in confessional

Things I liked:

• I liked the way the narrator told the story about telling stories.  The Lockheed recruiter tells Eddie Mannix, “The picture business is pretty silly” and yet we still love movies. They move us, inspire us, make us laugh, make us cry, make us feel!
• The film is filled with super funny sound effects, including a bird sound every time someone said the line “On wings of eagles.”  It reminded me of the running gag on “Young Frankenstein”.   A lot of the humor reminded me of the old Mel Brooks comedies.
• Funny cowboy stunt scene.  Alden Ehrenreich does a great job as Hobie Doyle.
• There’s a great dance scene with Channing Tatum in the “Swingin’ Dinghy” bar that will remind you of the fun singing and dancing films featuring legendary Gene Kelly.
• There is an amusing scene where Ralph Fiennes plays an eloquent director who uses words that simpleton Hobie Doyle (and probably some people in the audience) don’t know.  You’ll be ahead of the game when you already know these words: “mirthless” (without laughter), “rueful” (sorrow, pity) , “trippingly” (light and quick)
• “Divine presence to be shot.”   Ha ha
• Wayne knight from Seinfeld: The Complete Series has a bit part.  It was good to see him again, and funny to see him as a movie Extra.
• I thought it was interesting that the main film they were filming during the movie was the story of Christ from the perspective of a Roman soldier, which is exactly what the movie Risen is about, which is also currently in movie theaters.
• The talented Tilda Swinton plays twins.  I’m happy to get as many doses of Tilda as we can get.
• I have always adored Christopher Lambert ever since Mortal Kombat and Highlander: The Movie .  Here he has a tiny part as a German director.  It’s been awhile since I’ve seen him too.  Look close or you’ll miss him.
• My husband and I watched every episode of Numb3rs: The Complete Series , so it was fun to see David Krumholtz, who plays a Communist writer.  The Communist “club” scenes were funny and filled with familiar faces.
• Religious characters in movies are usually made fun of, but not in this one. Josh Brolin’s character is sincere, religious, talented, yet flawed in an endearing way.
• I thought George Clooney’s speech at the cross was both sweet and funny at just the right moment.
• It looked like they filmed on the actual Universal Studios lot.  I was just there a few months ago!  It’s such a fun theme park.   

Things I didn’t like:

• One shot allows you to see right up George Clooney’s nose, hairs and all.   
• Anyone over 50 should be able to remember some of the original stars and movies that are being alluded to in this film.  Those younger may not appreciate all of the inside jokes.
• Some gags go on for a little too long.

Funny lines:

•  “I need some petty cash.  Do you have $100,000?” - Mannix
• “You worship a God who doesn’t love anyone.” – Protestant Clergyman (Allan Havey)

“Not true.  He loves Jews.” – Rabbi (Robert Picardo)

Interesting lines:

• “Same thing…history and economics, isn’t it?” – Head Communist Writer (Max Baker)
• “The picture has worth and you have worth as long as you serve the picture.” – Mannix

Tips for parents:   

• Some “real” profanity, as well as harmless words like “Nuts!”
• Young kids may not get some of the humor or pop culture references.
• Some subtle sexual innuendo, but young kids will probably not catch it.

Spectre is nice addition to James Bond franchise

Movie:    Spectre

Rating:    PG-13, 2 hours 30 minutes

Grade:   B+

In a Nutshell:    When I first heard that actor Daniel Craig recently admitted he never wanted to play James Bond again, I have to admit I was shaken…..but not stirred.   Ha ha   With gorgeous landscapes in faraway lands, exciting action, and a light social commentary, this is a respectable addition to the 007 franchise.

Filled with lots of crashes, explosions, chase scenes, cool toys, beautiful women, and even a little humor to top it all off, this 24^th installment isn’t as good as the most recent Skyfall , but gives a respectful nod to the classic Bond movie still and is still very entertaining.

Uplifting Theme:

·          “We always have a choice.” – Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux)

·          Information control vs. privacy

          

Things I liked:

·         The movie starts off at a Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico City, which makes for an intriguing backdrop.  While most Americans associate skeletons with creepy Halloween decorations, Mexicans are inspired by them to think of their honored ancestors.  With a title name of Spectre , it's the perfect opening for the film.  I liked how the ring introduced the Spectre image for the story and how there are many layers of meaning behind the word in this movie.

·         FANTASTIC camera views from interesting angles.

·         Love the stunts and action from the very beginning.

·         I really love watching Christoph Waltz work his craft.  I thought he was really great in Big Eyes  You can see my movie review of Big Eyes by clicking here.

·         ·         Cliché "lose the bad guy in a parade" scene suddenly becomes interesting with a helicopter.

·         I love all the international destinations Bond travels to.

·         Ah, Ralph Fiennes.  It’s always a pleasure to see him.

·         Those blue eyes, Daniel!
       Grammy champ Sam Smith's song is #1 in the UK now and getting Oscar buzz for "Writing's On The Wall".

Things I didn’t like:

·         I didn’t care for the naked body montage during the opening credits.  (Parents, you see skin, not naughty bits.)

·         SPOILER ALERT:  I thought it was extremely odd and inappropriate for James to sleep with a woman practically minutes after her dead husband’s funeral.  I want to admire the hero, not think he is a complete scoundrel.  I know, I know, he's an assassin.  Still.

·         Such beautiful cars destroyed!

·         It was hard to see what was going on in some of the dark scenes.

·         “What do we do now?”  Quick cut to make-out scene.  Lame.

·         It’s sort of silly that James survives all kinds of fights, crashes, and even torture without even getting a scratch.  I mean, even Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson gets scratched up sometimes.  Ha ha

·          

Funny lines:  

·          “I believe I said to bring it back in one piece, not bring back one piece.” – Q laughing at Bond for destroying his last car and bringing back only the steering wheel.

·         “May I remind you that I answer directly to them.  Also, a mortgage, and 2 cats to feed.” – Q (played by Ben Whishaw)

“Oh, then I suggest you trust me…for the sake of the cats.” – Bond

·         “What do you do?” – Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci)

“Life insurance.” – Bond

Interesting lines:

·         “He obsessed about work.  He was never home.” – Lucia

“Then, he was a fool.” – James Bond

·         “I always knew death would wear a familiar face.  But not yours…” – Mr. White

·         “She was never going to let death get in the way of her job.” – James Bond

·         “You’re a kite, dancing in a hurricane, Mr. Bond.” – Lea’s father

Tips for Parents:

·        Lots of fighting, but mostly bloodless.  There is a yucky scene where a guy gouges out another guy’s eyes and you see dripping blood.  Ick.
      Pretty clean language, considering the violence and high body count!

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Want to catch up on the latest James Bond movies?  You can start here: