Drive-Away Dolls

Drive-Away Dolls

Jamie, an uninhibited free spirit bemoaning yet another breakup with a girlfriend, and her demure friend Marian desperately needs to loosen up. In search of a fresh start, the two embark on an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee, but things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals along the way.

  • Released:
  • Runtime: 83 minutes
  • Genre: Comedy, Crime
  • Stars: Geraldine Viswanathan, Margaret Qualley, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal, Matt Damon, Bill Camp, Joey Slotnick, C.J. Wilson, Connie Jackson, Miley Cyrus, Annie Gonzalez, Abby Hilden, Josh Flitter, Sam McCrea
  • Director: Ethan Coen
 Comments
  • bjhex1 - 9 June 2024
    Coen flourishes help, but can't overcome script and performances
    The overriding takeaway from this movie, beyond the pro-lesbian positivity message, is that I wish there had been better performers and performances. I have nothing bad to say about Margaret Qualley, other than (keeping on the Coen theme) her over-the-top performance was more reminiscent of Tom Hanks in The Ladykillers, and less like George Clooney in Oh Brother, Where Art Thou. Which is to say, even in an absurdist context, she just didn't quite stick the landing. Similarly, Geraldine Viswanathan provides a serviceable, if unremarkable performance. Granted, it's not entirely rewarding to play a dull, uncharismatic character, but she just doesn't do much with the role.

    As I was watching, I imagined alternative casting (only Matt Damon is of reasonable star quality to not have needed this exercise). The "goons" as they labelled, would have been a perfect vehicle for Nick Offerman and J. K. Simmons (age notwithstanding). But Joey Slotnick as the more worldwise goon was the single most realized character in the movie.

    Culturally, people who'd be offended by this movie will probably never watch it. It's lighthearted and silly at times, and leans into highlighting lesbian experience, though it gets a bit mundane (perhaps the point) in its use of sexuality. Maybe this is fair, as there historically is an overflowing glut of similar scenes portraying heterosexuality. But nevertheless, the movie might have tried to aim higher than the typical tropes.

    I'm not averse to a re-watch, and I'd hope to have a more positive reaction the second time. My feeling is that it should have been more entertaining than it was. I just don't know how or what to recalibrate to see it in a better light.
  • SnoopyStyle - 4 May 2024
    trying too hard
    It's 1999. Jamie (Margaret Qualley) cheats on girlfriend Sukie (Beanie Feldstein) and gets dumped. She joins her friend Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan) to visit Florida. They decide to do a drive-away. They end driving a car intended for gangsters who want their packages hidden inside the car. Marian hasn't had a girlfriend in years and Jamie intends to find her a quick one night stand.

    This comes from married couple, Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke. It seems that brother Joel isn't involved. My first take and my final take is that this movie is trying too hard. It starts with Qualley doing that thick southern accent. I appreciate the bold acting choice, but it feels like a desperate acting choice. I do like the two actresses and it's fine as a quirky road trip movie.. mostly. I like their two male pursuers especially Joey Slotnick. There are a lot of surreal filmmaking choices that are a little jarring. This is a side trip for Coen fans and maybe only the the completists.
  • ebonibarnett - 16 April 2024
    This movie was dirty but fun to me
    The movie was dirty but fun , whacky , adventurous, shockingly good in a way , this was my first time seeing this movie. I love whacky and dirty movies so this seems right up my alley . I wasn't even bored with this movie . I wouldn't recommend watching it In front of children but I love the overall of the premise of drive away dolls. It has Exceed my expectations in my opinion.. it can probably make you horny at times but overall I enjoyed it though. I would definitely recommend this movie.... I love how fun it was to be honest... but I would definitely recommend drive away dolls. I thought Jamie and Marian ending up together was a good ending to the story of the movie . Jamie is such a great character besides her kissing Marian. The movie is edgy in a way that I didn't expect.