Violet & Daisy begins with a walk-and-talk between two young female assassins on their way to a job. It's very similar to the first Jules and Vincent scene in Pulp Fiction, so I was immediately expecting the movie to be a chatty, sub-Tarantino bloodletting. But I was pleasantly surprised by this film.
Saoirse Ronan gives her usual soulful performance, and it's nice to see Alexis Bledel post-Gilmore Girls. But the highlight of the film is James Gandolfini's turn as the target of a hit who, despite everyone's intentions, can't seem to get killed. As the job continues to go awry, Gandolfini develops a relationship with Daisy (Ronan) and, to a lesser degree, Violet (Bledel).
What separates this from a Tarantino film is that there is some genuine sweetness. And though there is gun-play and a couple bloody scenes (the worst is probably the first scene in the film), it's not really a film about violence. There are nice personal moments throughout.
However, for all its heart, it lacks the sharp dialogue and sure directorial hand that Tarantino would bring. There are chapter headings throughout the film that are nothing but a distracting contrivance, and many of the scenes lack rhythm, hurting otherwise fine performances.
This movie was a mixed bag for me. The central twist to the film is interesting, and there are several moving scenes. But too much of the film is trying to be hip without quite succeeding. There are rewards here, but watch at your own risk.
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