Alien at the Movies

The Coen brothers are at again with their latest quirky offbeat comedy poking fun of Busby Berkeley geometrically choreographed productions, Roy Rogers/Gene Autry singing cowboy westerns, Fred Astaire dance numbers, and Esther Williams swim related films. If you don't recognize those names, maybe this isn't the film for you. Josh Brolin plays a Hollywood film industry "fixer" who covers up any sandals involving their big box office draw stars. While filming a picture about a Roman tribune meeting Jesus Christ (Joseph Fiennes' role in the soon to be released "Risen"), their star (George Clooney) is kidnapped & held for ransom by a mystery group claiming to be the Future. Toss in some religious leaders, some communist screenwriters, hush money, a chain smoking film editor, & a Hedda Hopper/Dear Abby/Dear Abigail gossip columnist dual role by Tilda Swinton into the mix. Ralph Fiennes, Tatum Channing, Jonah Hill, Scarlett Johansson, & Frances McDormand have small supporting roles. This is a fun silly romp through the Golden Age of film making.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "Capitol Pictures Studio" stars out of 4.