Drive-Away Dolls

    This disappointing "road trip" comedy was directed and co-written (with his wife, Tricia Cooke) by Ethan Coen. Jamie, played by Margaret Qualley and Marian, played by Geraldine Viswanathan have odd couple chemistry as friends who end up on the road together driving from Philadelphia to Tallahassee.

     The women arrange for a drive-away car but unbeknownst to them, a mysterious briefcase is hidden in the spare tire well. The car was supposed to be picked up by a trio of dangerous men, hired to retrieve the briefcase, but the owner mistakenly gives the car to the two women first.

      Along the road, the woman have many side adventures, mostly involving gay bars and sex. Jamie's ex-girlfriend, Sukie, played by Beanie Feldstein (no relation) is a cop who ends up following them to Florida. Two of the three thugs are also on the road after the briefcase while reporting back to their boss, "Chief", played by Coleman Domingo. 

       The film co-stars Bill Camp as Curlie, the owner of the drive-away business,  Joey Slotnick and C.J. Wilson as the two thugs casing the women, Pedro Pascal as Santos, which is nothing more than a quick cameo (although his head becomes a plot device), Matt Damon as Senator Channel (also in just a few but significant scenes) and in yet, another cameo, Miley Cyrus as Tiffany Plastercaster (based on a famous groupie of the sixties). Only Mr. Camp, in his deadpan delivery and Mr. Domingo, with his undeniable charisma elevate the film to something worth watching. It's too bad they play minor characters. 

         The plot, which seemed like a fun idea on paper doesn't translate well to the screen. It's fairly ridiculous and erratic. The fine cast is wasted in this "exploitation" sex comedy concept. The original title is revealed at the end, which makes more obvious sense. Save yourself time and drive right past these "dolls".