Directors: Ethan Coen & Joel Coen.
Starring: Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, Channing Tatum, Frances McDormand, Jonah Hill.
A typical Coen, colourful collection of 1950’s Hollywood parodies, centred mostly around Brolin’s excellent rendition of E. Maddix. The famous MGM fixer back in the day, that protected stars and studios alike from scandal and character defamation. Though, none of this really comes across and for those who are not familiar with Maddix would probably be left guessing as to what he actually does. The script is as expected from the Coen brothers, brilliant, sharp and witty; it’s a constant barrage of one liners and monologues. As are the star studded cast. Literally every different scene has a famous familiar face with even Highlander foes making brief appearances. However, with so many, it’s almost like they’re all fighting for more screen time and in my opinion, there was enough already. It doesn’t so much drag but it doesn’t really stop for breathe, even Dolph Lungren’s uncredited cameo get edited down to a silhouette. (I reckon they bumped into him down at the hotdog stand and replaced an extra) I don’t know about my self confessed man-crush, Clooney. He’s great, but it seems that every Coen film he does, it appears like he doesn’t even realise he’s being filmed. I think that’s a good thing. Brolin, as already said is amazing and he emanates power even when under pressure. But Alden Ehrenreich. Now he is someone to watch out for as i don’t believe acting an actor is an easy role to play. With the Coen Brother’s habit of repeat collaborations with certain actors, Clooney, Brolin and McDormand; I reckon he’ll make a fine addition to their movie mob. Overall, even with all the ingredients and a star-lined cast that performed so well. It felt somewhat flat, missing something and I think it was really lack of story, or so much story you kinda miss the whole plot. More like a messy, anti-climatic Wes Anderson film. Coen fans may forgive and love it but others maybe less favourable.
Running Time: 4
The Cast: 8
Performance: 8
Direction: 7
Story: 3
Script: 8
Creativity: 7
Soundtrack: 5
Job Description: 1
The Extra Bonus Point: 0
51% 5/10
