Quiz Lady
Anne, is a tightly wound 33 year old, who after decades of a loveless family (father abandoning the family, gambling addict mother, and decade older sister who acts like a pre teen), who escapes her reality by watching her favourite game show ‘Cant stop the quiz’ hosted by her idol Terry McTeer.
One day, she discovers her mother has escaped her nursing home, and when big sis Jenny comes back to town, a series of events lead to a video of her answering quiz questions at rapid speed, and she is nicknamed quiz lady by those around her.
This brings out Ken, a loan shark, who has kidnapped Anne’s dog Mr Linguine and wants the $80k her mother stole from him back. Now Jenny must persuade Anne to do the one thing she loves, but fears as well. Go to Cant stop the Quiz and become a contestant.
Direction
I quite liked the direction by long time television director Jessica Yu, I found it to be well framed and subtle at times. While there were no ‘outstanding’ shots, it did what it meant to.
Cast/Characters
The pairing of Awkwafina and Sandra Oh as sisters is delightful – and both play their roles perfectly. It was quite fun to have them in these roles, and traditionally they are known for playing the opposite character type (Awkwafina as the goof, and Oh as the straight guy).
Supporting cast members like Jason Schwartzman (as a long running contestant on CStQ, and Holland Taylor as Anne’s curmudgeon neighbour are used just the right amount. and both have funny narrative arcs. Schwartzman with wanting to be the ‘next’ Terry, and Taylor with her love of “Alan Cumming” – which gets a small cameo from the late great Paul Reubens (RIP).
My big up was Ferrell as McTeer, who steals the show – especially later in the film with a heartwarming moment with Anne. He very rarely gets to show his dramatic chops, but did perfectly here.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
I loved the pairing of Awkwafina and Sandra Oh, and espeically in the characters they played. Awkwafina played the almost straight man character, while Oh got the goofball in this ‘odd couple pairing’ and both did wonderful jobs; especially Oh – who has gone from strength to strength since leaving that hospital show.
The blend of comedy/emotion could have been done slightly better, as at one stage Anne is trying to tell a rather emotional story – but the comedy undertones felt a little too forced.
There are a couple of cliche’s thrown in that are done well, like the ‘absent/goofball’ big sister really does have a heart and has always been there for the little sibling.
Score/Soundtrack
There is a fun soundtrack, and the perfect addition to ‘Eye of the Tiger’ as the girls get to Philadephia.
Overall
While the premise has been done to death, the end result is well executed – with a great secondary narrative – which includes some fun well written characters (Ferrell, Schwartzmann and Taylor)
Awkwafina and Oh are tremendous on screen together, and are believable as siblings who have never been overly close – but are brought together.
A strong recommend.
4/5