The uproarious and star-studded Hail Caesar! demonstrates the Coens on fine form indeed – whilst not quite up to the standard of their very best, this spiritual successor to Barton Fink sits very comfortably in their second-tier stable.

A shaggy dog story in the truest sense, the story meanders – often aimlessly, but always hilariously – but beneath its flashy sheen and screwball comedy stylings there is (typically for the Coens) a deceptive amount of thematic and character depth.

Full of multiplicities, Hail, Caesar! is at once deftly witty yet unabashedly goofy; and deeply affectionate towards, yet cuttingly satirical of, the movie business.

Bright, glitzy, cutting – and most importantly really, really funny – the brilliantly written and perfectly cast Hail, Caesar! is a raucous smorgasbord of Coen motifs. It’s scattershot, but a real treat.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Jonah Hill, Scarlett Johansson, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Channing Tatum

DIRECTOR: Joel & Ethan Coen

WRITER: Joel & Ethan Coen

SYNOPSIS: Eddie Mannix (John Brolin), a Hollywood fixer in the 1950s, attempts to keep his studio’s stars in check as one is kidnapped by a mysterious organisation known only as “The Future”.