The Film Board gathers! The Coen Brothers are back, this time channeling the spirit of old Hollywood. Josh Brolin plays Eddie Mannix, the studio fixer charged with keeping the studio in fine form. His big star goes missing. His big starlet gets pregnant. His young hunk can’t act, but has the voice of an angel. And, oh yes, Commies.

George Clooney plays Baird Whitlock, our kidnapped screen vet, but this film is chock full of stunt casting. Ralph Fiennes, ScarJo, Tilda Swinton (x2!), Frances McDormand, and oh yeah...if you saw the trailer, you’ve seen just about every line spoken by the good Jonah Hill.

How does it all come together? Does the Coen script live up to the other films in their idiot trilogy? Does the stunt casting serve the story? How well does Roger Deakins’ camera live up to the era? And what about Carter Burwell? After a disappointing review in January’s conversation on The Finest Hours, does the score turn The Board around?

All this and more this month as Steve Sarmento, Justin 'JJ' Jaeger, Andy Nelson, Pete Wright, and Tommy Metz III come together to spoil the Coen's latest, Hail, Caesar!.

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!