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Drive-Away Dolls

Drive-Away Dolls (2024)

Feb 22, 2024 1h 24m Comedy Crime

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.

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Directed by Ethan Coen

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Ethan Coen
Writer
  • Ethan Coen
  • Tricia Cooke
Producer
  • Robert Graf
  • Ethan Coen
  • Tricia Cooke
  • Tim Bevan
  • Eric Fellner

Reviews

CinemaSerf
5/10

"Jamie" (Margaret Qualley) embarks on a road trip with her rather het-up friend "Marian" (Geraldine Viswanathan) to Tallahassee. A roadside puncture causes them to explore the boot for the spare tyre and let's just say what they find isn't quite the same thing - though maybe just as rubbery. Meantime, Colman Domingo and his two henchmen are quickly hot on their trail seeking that very thing. A few vaguely comedic escapades now ensue as the two women start to realise their relationship could be more than that of just friends and that there could well be an opportunity to make a few quid from their newly found treasure. Joey Slotnick and CJ Wilson try their best as the goons but otherwise this is a thinly stretched comedy that relies far too much on the supposed shocks or comedy from it's lesbian theme and nowhere near enough on any degree of originality with the script. It vacillates between the dull and crass, and neither Domingo nor Matt Damon make anything like enough of a contribution to make much difference to the well travelled path the story takes. If you're at all discerning about what makes you laugh then this won't be for you, sorry.

Mar 19, 2024

r96sk
7/10

<em>'Drive-Away Dolls'</em> is a fairly fun time.

It's a pretty straightforward movie, one that moves along at a decent pace and tells its story well enough. Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan give good performances, Qualley overacts a bit sometimes but as the film progressed I enjoyed her more and more. The editing is something I feel similarly about, some bits aren't the best imo.

All in all, it works. The relatively short run time is a big help, admittedly.

Mar 28, 2024

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Thematic Analysis

Drive-Away Dolls represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Crime cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Ethan Coen brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2024, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Drive-Away Dolls took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $8.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 120 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 64 unique compositions.
  • The costume department created over 100 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2024, when this film is released:
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Drive-Away Dolls shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Together, which focuses more on action than character development, Drive-Away Dolls offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Shaun of the Dead and Monty Python and the Holy Grail explore similar territory, Drive-Away Dolls stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: February 22, 2024
  • Runtime: 1h 24m
  • Budget: $8,000,000
  • Revenue: $7,935,363

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
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