Honey Don’t  – What I Image Joel Coen, Told His Brother Ethan Coen About Directing This Film

By : Dominic La-Viola

The Coen Brothers are and always have been a directing duo, one in which always delivers. From “Fargo” to “No Country For Old Men”, “The Big Lebowski” and “True Grit”. 

Of course there has been a few films where, one is credited as a producer and one is credited as the director, to which I can’t say for certain is the reason. Just as I can’t say with absolute certainty, that Joel Coen’s absence on this film, is the reason for it’s lacking. 

The film opens with a fatal car crash, that on paper is considered an accident. Although Honey, a private eye, thinks other wise. For the person who died, was someone who reached out to her for help, asking to hire for her services. But doesn’t know why.

Opening the film up, as a thriller. With a dark comedy undertone, that is established very early on in the movie, in fact, I would argue it’s established before anything. 

From the opening frame the film feels too loose and laid back, never taking itself seriously, in the slightest. It’s as if the film is trying to render the spirit of Coen’s past hits in “Fargo” and “The Big Lebowski” but never quite lands on one, nor finds the perfect balance in between the two. 

Despite being messy, sloppy and all over the place, with possibly one of the loosest production value and uncooked scripts I’ve seen in quite sometime. The film still works on some level, even if it’s not a very high level. 

The cinematography, looked out of proportion and off kilter, throwing off the entire, tone of the film. Which, from a lesser director I would say, is just a poor production. Although given Ethan’s history and style. I would like to think it was an intentional decision to help balance the film’s tone and match the quality of the script. Making it seem less over directed and overacted. Giving off the tone, of a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously.  Although given the genre it really should take itself more seriously. Even if only slightly. 

The score compared to other films, in which he has done, stands out like a sore thumb. Over scored at multiple points in the film. Again adding to the issue of the film’s sloppiness.

The script doesn’t hold up, trying to create a multilayer thriller, only to fall flat on its face. Having no real punch, pack or even climax. The film feels underwhelming and almost a waste of time. 

Yet despite all of these things, the film is still a lot of fun to watch and works on a certain level of mindless entertainment. For the cast really goes above and beyond, carrying this film across the finish line. 

From Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza and Charlie Day to Chris Evens.  They all known exactly what the film is and what it’s suppose to be and show up and show off. Giving tremendously great performances, playing these otherwise straight forward characters with a nonchalant attitude. Really bringing everything together nicely. Making for a good time. 

Overall Rating 3/5 Stars.