New Movies – Hail, Caesar!, Flight and Pollock

Hail Caesar! (2016) – A movie studio’s top star (George Clooney) is kidnapped by a group of Communist writers, while the studio’s fixer (Josh Brolin) tries to keep the studio working in the 1950’s.  Fun cast (Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, Channing Tatum, Frances McDormand, Jonah Hill) and directed by the Coen Brothers.  The problem here is a script that doesn’t quite have enough to fill out the run time.  The second time the Coens have used “Capitol Pictures” as the basis for a movie.  This is the second time it came up short, although I have much fonder thoughts about this one than I do about “Barton Fink” (which I hated).

If you have a couple hours with nothing better to do:

Rating – *** Worth A Look


Flight (2012) – A veteran pilot (Denzel Washington) lands a plane in dire distress, saving almost every life.  The follow-up investigation tears his life apart.  This movie is Denzel, Denzel, Denzel.  While being justifiably criticized by real life pilots about the impossibility that a professional would have ever been allowed to fly with the issues facing the main character, this is a stunning piece of work by one of the finest actors of this generation.  Not easy to watch at times, but always riveting.  The lack of realism in the core concept and a rather pat ending hold the movie back.

Rating – **** Recommended

Pollock (2000) – A biopic on the American painter Jackson Pollock (Ed Harris).  Pollock created a vibrant new style in abstract expressionism, making him one of the biggest stars of the art world.  The movie is also a star turn for Marcia Gay Harden (she got an Oscar for the role) as Pollock’s muse, gadfly, and wife, Lee Krasner.  The two great actors are the heart and soul of the movie.  There’s not a lot to the story, Pollock’s star burned brightly but for a very short time.  But what story there is given every ounce of the considerable talent of the cast.  Harris also directed the movie.  The opportunity to watch two artists, in this case doubled, is worth the time.

Rating – *** Worth A Look