Honey Don't!
- Gus Keller
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Despite many Coen Brothers hallmarks, Honey Don't! doesn't solidify. It has mystery, flavorful side characters, quick dialogue, juxtaposition, and social commentary (on femininity, intimacy, religion, and victimhood). Though smug, the acting provides range plus vulnerability inside a campy style. Yet, the story's core is slight. Its underdeveloped protagonist has motivated personality but feels superficial without internal conflict or growth. This is worsened by a meandering plot, which highlights chaotic absurdity yet creates excessive threads that muddle emotional investment. Furthermore, the final reveal seems convenient and sudden. Consequently, Honey Don't! is messy.
Aside from some key issues, Honey Don't! is technically proficient. Its direction handles contrasting tones but still feels thin. Crafty lighting and focus are offered through the cinematography. Despite a tight runtime, its editing has clunky structure plus convoluted momentum. The sound adds action, symbolic diegetics, and emphasis. Foregoing scoring for brief touches of old school needle drops, its music is minimal. Though (intentionally) drab, the production design creates a small-town setting with retro aesthetics. Its cast has good fame yet inconsistent fit. Makeup as well as minor prosthetics construct decent violence effects. Overall, Honey Don't! needed refining.
Writing: 4/10
Direction: 6/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 5/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
Production Design: 7/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 6.4/10
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