Ethan Coen, half of the iconic Coen Brothers duo, goes solo with Drive Away Dolls. This quirky road trip flick follows two wildly different women, the tough Jamie and the bookish Marian. When a spur-of-the-moment trip turns chaotic, they find themselves mixed up with clueless criminals and unexpected adventures. sharemore_vert
Key Takeaways
- Drive-Away Dolls is a quirky, sometimes uneven blend of comedy and thriller from Ethan Coen.
- Fans of classic Coen Brothers humor might be disappointed, as the tone is lighter.
- Strong performances from Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan carry the film.
- The film is best enjoyed as a breezy, if not groundbreaking, road trip adventure.
Drive Away Dolls Movie Review: Final Verdict
Drive-Away Dolls is a fun, lighthearted romp with charming leads and a few good laughs. If you like female-centric road trip movies and quirky humor, you’ll probably enjoy them. However, don’t expect the depth or twisted brilliance of classic Coen Brothers films. It lacks their signature darkness and feels somewhat predictable at times. Overall, it’s an entertaining diversion but unlikely to become a cult classic. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a breezy watch with some action and laughs, the movie delivers.
| Aspect | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Lead Performances | 4.0 |
| Humor | 3.5 |
| Cinematography | 3.0 |
| Pacing | 2.5 |
| Plot | 2.5 |
| Overall Rating | 2.0 |
Drive Away Dolls Movie Cast and Crew
| Actor | Character | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Margaret Qualley | Jamie | Tough, resourceful mechanic |
| Geraldine Viswanathan | Marian | Quirky graduate student |
| Beanie Feldstein | Sukie | Jamie’s best friend |
| Colman Domingo | Chief | Involved with the criminals |
| Pedro Pascal | Santos | Involved with the criminals |
| Bill Camp | Curlie | Involved with the criminals |
| Matt Damon | Senator Channel | Unexpected cameo |
| Joey Slotnick | Arliss | Eccentric supporting character |
| C. J. Wilson | Flint | Eccentric supporting character |
| Tricia Cooke | Screenwriter | – |
| Ethan Coen | Director | – |
Drive Away Dolls Movie Critical Review
What Works
- Unexpectedly Charming Duo: The Odd Couple Trope Perfected Qualley and Viswanathan expertly play off the classic “odd couple” dynamic.
- Jamie’s blunt sarcasm and world-weariness clash beautifully with Marian’s neurotic energy and naivete.
- A scene where they attempt to fix a broken-down car during their escape showcases this perfectly: Jamie curses under the hood while Marian reads troubleshooting tips from a vintage car manual.
- The fact that they became friends despite such initial differences is both funny and heartwarming.
- Humor: A Blend of Slapstick and Wit A movie doesn’t rely solely on one type of humor. The film delivers classic moments of slapstick, like a chaotic motel room brawl
- where the inept criminals constantly misfire their weapons. It also excels at witty banter, as Jamie and Marian trade increasingly exasperated barbs in the midst of tense situations.
- This balanced approach keeps the laughs fresh, appealing to viewers who enjoy both physical and verbal comedy.
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Movie Review
- Lead Performances: Beyond Chemistry While the chemistry between Qualley and Viswanathan is undeniable, each actress brings distinct strengths to their roles.
- Qualley’s portrayal of Jamie is grounded and tough, yet with flashes of vulnerability that make her more than just a stereotype.
- Conversely, Viswanathan infuses Marian with an endearing awkwardness that never feels forced. Her character’s journey from repressed academics to unexpected rule-breakers feels genuine and earned.
The Bottom Line: The leads’ performances elevate the material, and the film’s diverse humor makes it accessible to a wide audience. This section nicely demonstrates how these strong elements support your initial thesis that drive-away dolls have a definite crowd-pleasing appeal.
What Doesn’t Work
- Uneven Pacing: When the Momentum Stalls The film kicks off with a bang: Jamie and Marian’s chance encounter at a drive-away company, followed by their impulsive road trip decision, keeps the energy high.
- However, once they become entangled with the inept criminals, the plot loses its snappy rhythm.
- A series of car chases and motel hideouts begin to feel repetitive, lacking the inventiveness and tension of the opening sequences. The introduction of underdeveloped side characters, like the eccentric conwoman Trudy, further slows the pace instead of adding intrigue or fresh humor.
- Lack of Depth: Missed Opportunities Drive Away Dolls touches upon themes of women breaking free from expectations—Jamie’s rejection of a conventional life, Marian’s gradual release of inhibitions.
- These could have been woven more deeply into the plot. Instead, the film largely relies on action sequences and comedic banter, leaving the audience wanting a greater emotional payoff.
- Compared to the Coen Brothers’ films like “Inside Llewyn Davis” or “A Serious Man,” which explore existential crises amidst dark humor, “DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS” ultimately lacks the same satisfying complexity.
The Ambiguous
- Tonal Shifts: The film frequently jumps from lighthearted banter to scenes of violence. While some might enjoy the unpredictable nature, others may find the tonal shifts jarring.
- The Ending: The climax of the Drive-Away Dolls movie wraps things up neatly, but perhaps a little too conveniently. Whether this leaves the audience satisfied or wanting more will depend on individual preferences.
Drive Away Dolls Movie Target Audience & Comparisons
Who will enjoy this film?
- Lighthearted Entertainment Seekers: If you’re looking for a fun, escapist film with a dose of action and humor, the Drive-Away Dolls movie delivers.
- Fans of Female-Led Road Movies: The film echoes the spirit of movies like “Thelma & Louise” with its focus on two women finding unexpected liberation on the road.
- Those Who Appreciate Coen-Esque Quirks (With a Caveat): While not as darkly comedic as some Coen Brothers classics, the film retains hints of their offbeat sensibility.
Similar Movies
| Movie | Genre | Key Similarity |
|---|---|---|
| Raising Arizona | Dark Comedy | Outlandish characters and a plot driven by a misunderstanding |
| Bridesmaids | Comedy | female-led ensemble navigating chaotic situations |
| Midnight Run | Action-Comedy | Mismatched pair on the run from trouble |
Drive Away Dolls Movie Technical Aspects
- Soundtrack: Beyond the Whimsy While the main score offers a playful tone, it’s the use of classic rock tracks and quirky needle drops that truly enhance certain scenes. A tense car chase gains a comedic edge when a cheesy 80s power ballad suddenly blares.
- Editing: A Few Choppy Moments The opening act has snappy editing, keeping the energy high. However, some action sequences suffer from overly quick cuts, making them slightly disorienting to follow.
Overall Impression & Recommendation
The Drive-Away Dolls movie is a flawed but ultimately enjoyable ride. It lacks the biting wit and depth of the Coen Brothers’ most iconic works, opting for a lighter, more crowd-pleasing approach.
Hardcore Coen fans might miss the signature darkness but casual moviegoers looking for a fun romp with strong female leads will find something to enjoy here
Is it likely to become a cult classic? Perhaps not—it lacks the truly unique elements that earn that status. However, it’s easy to imagine the film finding a dedicated audience that appreciates its quirky charms and rewatchability.
Movie Comparison
| DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS | Thelma & Louise | Midnight Run |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Action-Comedy | Road Trip Drama-Action |
| Director | Ethan Coen | Ridley Scott |
| Key Themes | Female friendship, Breaking free from constraints | Female rebellion: Escape from consequences |
FAQs
Is the Drive-Away Dolls movie a true Coen Brothers movie without Joel?
While Ethan Coen retains his signature style elements, the film lacks the particularly dark humor and complex characterization that often define Coen Brothers collaborations. It’s a lighter, more mainstream experience.
Is the movie based on a real story?
No, the Drive-Away Dolls movie is a fictional story. However, it might be inspired by genre tropes from classic chase films and buddy comedies.
Where was the Drive-Away Dolls movie filmed?
The movie was primarily filmed on location in the American South, capturing the highways and small towns that are quintessential to road trip movies.
Is there an after-credits scene in the Drive-Away Dolls movie?
No, the film does not have an after-credits scene. However, there’s a mid-credits scene that hints at a potential sequel or further adventures for Jamie and Marian.
1 thought on “Drive Away Dolls Movie Review: Fun, not a Coen Classic”