Quiz Lady (2023)
2023
R
100 Minutes
A brilliant but tightly wound, gameshow-obsessed young woman, Anne, and her estranged, train-wreck of a sister Jenny, must work together to help cover their mother’s gambling debts. When Anne’s...
User Review
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Director Jessica Yu’s goofy comedy “Quiz Lady” succeeds because it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. This perfectly sweet, charming story about sisterhood has something for everyone. It may be uncomplicated and predictable, but this cute movie delivers tons of fun.
Anne (Awkwafina) grew up obsessed with game shows. She’d spend hours every day on the family couch, watching her favorite host Terry McTeer (Will Ferrell) and his quiz program, Can’t Stop the Quiz. Over the years, Anne became really, really good at trivia, shouting out the correct answers at home and often besting the in-person contestants.
When Anne’s beloved dog is kidnapped by a group of people claiming her mother owes them money from back gambling debts, she is distraught and needs help. With nowhere to turn, she contacts her estranged train wreck of an older sister, Jenny (Sandra Oh), who devises a plan that should get the sisters some quick cash. Her brilliant idea? To get Anne a slot as a contestant on Can’t Stop the Quiz. The siblings set out on a madcap cross country road trip that may not earn them the ultimate prize, but it brings them closer as a family.
It’s a cute story for a comedy movie, and Yu finds the right tone for Jen D’Angelo‘s script. The two lead characters are relatable, quirky and fun, and the heartfelt message of sisterhood is delivered in a genuine fashion. This isn’t the type of film that is a game changer (in fact, it’s one you’ll quickly forget), but it’s a bubbly burst of good-natured entertainment that sure is enjoyable as it’s being consumed.
Disclaimer: on behalf of women over 40 everywhere, I apologize in advance. Although she’s aged out of the part of Jenny, Oh is having tons of fun with an over-the-top, likeable, and widely accessible performance which translates well to the audience. The film is the perfect vehicle for her to show off her kooky comedic chops, and she and Awkwafina make the perfect onscreen duo. As the younger sister, Awkwafina’s physical comedy is on full display. Everything from her mannerisms to posture is pitch-perfect.
Sometimes a movie is nothing more than a feel-good piece of entertainment, and that’s exactly what “Quiz Lady” delivers. It is a universally accessible comedy that’s simply delightful.
By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS0 member like this review.
