In the past I have enjoyed films by writer/director Ethan Coen, and while I liked several parts of his new film Honey Don’t! I felt a bit unfulfilled by the time the credits rolled. It almost felt like when the Rev. Drew Devlin (Chris Evans) is discussing “submission” with his female congregants on at least two occasions. He is interrupted by someone and fails to complete his “mission.” He is left wanting more of his unfinished business. It stops suddenly.
The cast performances are excellent for their respective roles, and they are the ones who keep the character’s stories moving right along, even if at the end it just seems to stop.
There is lots going on in this small town. A car accident results in the death of a woman who was seeking help earlier in the week. When Honey O’Donahue (Margaret Qualley) starts her investigative work into the death, several people in town are not pleased that eyes are now potentially on their respective shenanigans. It seems like the community is used to her working cases about cheating spouses/partners, but Honey finds this more interesting and ultimately important when others drop dead. The local funeral home will need more room. Some things end up leading back to the church, one way or another.
Rev. Drew has a big smile, but is really a creep, using the church as a front for his ego and sex with congregants, as well as working in the drug business. The “boss” known only as “the French” aren’t happy with his deals, so they send a messenger to let him know.
Honey’s investigation takes her to the local police station where she knows some but not all in law enforcement. She meets MG Falcone (Aubrey Plaza plays the lustful cop) and they meet a time or two, not for business purposes though. She also makes time to visit her adult sister with several children, and soon some family drama surfaces with her teenage niece Corinne (Talia Ryder) and others. The local police force appears to be rather incompetent, especially with so many dying and organized crime in full effect. Charlie Day stars as Marty Metakawitch employed within this city’s force but is so determined to get Honey on a date, he seems to be clueless about many things – including she likes girls. He really is funny and enjoyed his character/comedy. The cast also includes Josh Pafchek and Jacnier as a new drug dealer (and a new talent I hope to see in other films in the future).
The film is in theaters Friday (8-22) and is rated R by the Motion Picture Association. Running time: 88 minutes.
Source: Focus Features
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