REVIEW: DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS

4/5

The Pussycat Dolls.

84 Mins. Starring: Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Joey Slotnick, C.J. Wilson, Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp & Matt Damon. Screenplay: Ethan Cohen & Tricia Cooke. Director: Ethan Coen. In: Theatres.

Queer ride from the straight guy that will make some of the those drive angry, but...ugh...please. Enough of all that. This doll house from dynamic director Ethan Coen, cooking up a slick script with Tricia Cooke, is one hell of a trip on the road like 'Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas'. A modern day 'Thelma & Louise' with even more liberation for this 'Odd Couple' that pop the trunk and find a mysterious silver case, like 'Pulp Fiction'. But just wait until you see what's inside. The look on your face like the classic one in closing that breaks the fourth wall says it all. 'Drive-Away Dolls' (or its real name in reveal) is one of the tomato freshest and best movies of the year, and we're willing to bet what's in the box on that being so after the rest of the calendar, even though, like Bon Jovi, we're halfway there. With love to Henry James and those 'Europeans', this is the new American dream for the King Princess generation. And this sleigh ride starts this highway journey with a message on a bonnet about love.

Once upon a time in Hollywood, everyone wanted to ask Quentin Tarantino what was in his case from his 'Fiction'. Me and my cinema working buddies even got the chance about twenty years ago in a Virgin Records (feel old yet?) signing of his 'Death Proof' screenplay (which this movie takes throwback poster inspiration from). Although I asked him what Salma Hayek's toes taste like, which in reply he said, "pretty good, pretty good. If you ever get the chance, I recommend it" (Salma?). Barefoot and armpits run wild, one of the best actresses of the next generation, Margaret Qualley, made her mark 'Once Upon A Time' on Brad Pitt. And has been on a 'Maid' (with her mother Andie MacDowell on Netflix) and 'Poor Things' tear since then. This is her time as she takes the wheel in a solo Coen brother film that's still a buddy picture, thanks to the engagement of the great Geraldine Viswanathan. 

These 'Dolls' that show after 2018's 'The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs' stories on Netflix, Ethan can go it alone, just like Joel did for 'The Tragedy Of Macbeth' with Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. Especially with a little help from his friends like Matt Damon. Rounding out the veteran names alongside the likes of 'Rustin' and 'The Color Purple' man of the moment Colman Domingo, ever debonair, the always great Bill Camp, compellingly classic and even 'The Last Of Us' in Pedro Pascal. Rumour had it that Pascal wasn't always under the helmet of 'The Mandalorian' (we call bull### to that, he's committed) for one of a twofer of iconic, cult television show adaptations. And if that is enough to make you lose your head, just wait until you see this. Yet, despite an Academy of blockbuster names, not to mention a classic, uncredited came from one of musics finest in a trippy scene straight out of a Red Hot Chilli Peppers (no, it's not Flea, or one of them), video, it's the double acts that take this third act home. Even if a 'Booksmart' Beanie Feldstein, armed with a badge and a grudge, threatens to steal the show in every scene she goes crazy in love in.

True romance. Just like the star-beating goon squad of Joey Slotnick and C.J. Wilson, the best on your case since those laying in the wake of a 'Lucky Number Slevin'. This movie is quintessential Qualley, and her free, accented spirit is exactly what would have happened if Brad Pitt said yes to her indecent proposal. But it's all in the name of free love and a wild heart that know no bounds, or shame. There's more than one way to express your desires and lusts for life, and there's nothing wrong with what her great character does here. Especially as she tries to encourage that side out of her straight-laced friend, Geraldine Viswanathan, who doesn't play well with others...yet.

If you thought the new balls, please of Zendaya's 'Challengers' was risque business, also released in Japan, this week. Wait until you see the balls on a soccer team that blows the whistle on modern conventions of coupling. From a beautiful sexual awakening on a trampoline, to finding your home in someone else's heart, closer than you think, Viswanathan is a revelation. The amazing Aussie of 'Blockers' and 'Bad Education', who copped a Heath Ledger scholarship, rules. A Marvel 'Thunderbolt' comes next. But just wait until the one that comes here. Some head will roll, and in climax, you'll never look at Tallahassee, Florida the same way again. Drive my car, dolls. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Thelma & Louise', 'The Odd Couple', 'Pulp Fiction'.