FilmSnobReviews

Title: Drive-Away Dolls
MPA Rating: R
Director: Ethan Coen
Starring: Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein
Runtime: 1 hr 24 mins

What It Is: Having just split from her girlfriend, Jamie (Margaret Qualley) and her friend Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan) decide to take a road trip to Tallahassee. Unbeknownst to them, something they’re carrying in the trunk of their car is highly sought after by mobsters (led by Colman Domingo.)

What We Think: It’s hard for me to say a Coen film (whether together or solo) is of lesser quality, but here we are. Ethan Coen certainly was the one to bring the humor of the two brothers, but without Joel to rein him in, Ethan goes full crazy. While none of the jokes are true standouts, Margaret Qualley (in her typical fashion) brings a great sense of charm to Jamie. She and Geraldine Viswanathan are a great, believable duo that are able to carry the picture through even its most outlandish moments.

Our Grade: C, The Coens are some of the greatest filmmakers we’ve ever had, but even I can’t defend this one as much as I’d like. While our two mains bring a nice sense of charm to the picture, this just feels like a Coen-impression rather than a solid entry from a master of the medium.