The overriding takeaway from this movie, beyond the pro-lesbian positivity message, is that I wish there had been better performers and performances. I have nothing bad to say about Margaret Qualley, other than (keeping on the Coen theme) her over-the-top performance was more reminiscent of Tom Hanks in The Ladykillers, and less like George Clooney in Oh Brother, Where Art Thou. Which is to say, even in an absurdist context, she just didn't quite stick the landing. Similarly, Geraldine Viswanathan provides a serviceable, if unremarkable performance. Granted, it's not entirely rewarding to play a dull, uncharismatic character, but she just doesn't do much with the role.
As I was watching, I imagined alternative casting (only Matt Damon is of reasonable star quality to not have needed this exercise). The "goons" as they labelled, would have been a perfect vehicle for Nick Offerman and J. K. Simmons (age notwithstanding). But Joey Slotnick as the more worldwise goon was the single most realized character in the movie.
Culturally, people who'd be offended by this movie will probably never watch it. It's lighthearted and silly at times, and leans into highlighting lesbian experience, though it gets a bit mundane (perhaps the point) in its use of sexuality. Maybe this is fair, as there historically is an overflowing glut of similar scenes portraying heterosexuality. But nevertheless, the movie might have tried to aim higher than the typical tropes.
I'm not averse to a re-watch, and I'd hope to have a more positive reaction the second time. My feeling is that it should have been more entertaining than it was. I just don't know how or what to recalibrate to see it in a better light.
As I was watching, I imagined alternative casting (only Matt Damon is of reasonable star quality to not have needed this exercise). The "goons" as they labelled, would have been a perfect vehicle for Nick Offerman and J. K. Simmons (age notwithstanding). But Joey Slotnick as the more worldwise goon was the single most realized character in the movie.
Culturally, people who'd be offended by this movie will probably never watch it. It's lighthearted and silly at times, and leans into highlighting lesbian experience, though it gets a bit mundane (perhaps the point) in its use of sexuality. Maybe this is fair, as there historically is an overflowing glut of similar scenes portraying heterosexuality. But nevertheless, the movie might have tried to aim higher than the typical tropes.
I'm not averse to a re-watch, and I'd hope to have a more positive reaction the second time. My feeling is that it should have been more entertaining than it was. I just don't know how or what to recalibrate to see it in a better light.
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