MOVIE REVIEW: DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS

 

In search of a fresh start, two women embark on an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee, Fla. However, things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals along the way.

Director:  Ethan Coen

Cast: Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp, Matt Damon.

Release Date: February 23, 2024 

Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller

Rated R for crude sexual content, full nudity, language and some violent content.

Runtime: 1h 24m

Review:

Ethan Coen's solo directorial debut, Drive-Away Dolls, is a silly crime caper of a road movie that can't quite maintain its manic energy in spite of energetic performances from its two leads.  It’s hard to avoid comparisons to Coen's work with his brother since this film carries plenty of hallmarks of some of their sillier crime comedies like Raising Arizona and Burn After Reading.  This film never reaches those levels of joyful insanity although it comes close on multiple occasions.  The film's pacing runs at a frenetic pace which makes it a breezy watch, but it also keeps some of the stronger sequences from landing the way they should since they aren't given time to breathe.  It’s a shame since the film central duo of Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan turn in inspired performances.  Their oil and water chemistry make the film run with Qualley outsized performance working in perfect contrast to Viswanathan straight laced understated turn.  Qualley gives the character a lively, energetic spirit that feels authentic even with the cartoonish southern accent she sports.  Viswanathan works more subtly, using her deadpan delivery and expressive eyes to great effect.  They're chaotic fun together especially as the situations get more over the top and outrageous.  Their supporting cast is peppered with well known faces who are clearly having a ball even in their limited screen time.  Drive-Away Dolls makes you wish you got to spend more time with all these characters but it's in a strange rush to get in and out as quickly as possible.  

B-