The Wrong Girls

Screened at Festival Theaters, Palm Springs, California

Not that I ever get too deep with these "reviews," but let's say I do. When it then comes to stoner comedies, is serious critique warranted? Sure, it's still a movie, it's still a FILM (or really, it's a DIGITAL), so they should be treated no differently. And yet I do.

Up in Smoke. Friday. Half Baked. Pineapple Express. Grandma's Boy. The Big Lebowski. See that thru-line? It's almost surprising Sausage Party wasn't "officially" a stoner comedy as well. While The Wrong Girls is not the first female-led entry in the genre, I believe it's the first female buddy stoner comedy, so for me, that's what makes this refreshing. While I wasn't finding it particularly funny on this first viewing, the audience I saw it with sure did (stoned? no idea), and I want to take that into account because I have a good hunch I'll like this more on repeated viewings - a common trait amongst cannabis flicks. Even if not, and in addition to this being female-driven, its a visually adventurous flick to some extent, the chemistry is good between leads Kristen Stewart and (shout out: Palm Springs native) Alia Shawkat, the pacing and quick nature hits just right, and it's just a good silly watch.

Overall, it could have been better for sure, but part of my disappointment just may have well been me a bit too tired and a wee bit sleepy, not from cannabis, but from the daily 110F+ grind of a Coachella Valley summer. The Wrong Girls has earned its way into the pantheon of good stoner comedies, and shared space along with Anna Farris in Smiley Face as a good yet strange stoner chick flick. Recommended, if these flicks are your bag (of grass).