The Quiz Lady movie is all about two wacky sisters – Anne (Awkwafina) and Jenny (Sandra Oh). It is a funny and heartwarming film in relation to the sisterhood bond between two Asian Americans.
Except for their shared family and genetic pool, these sisters do not have much in common. But for the sake of their mother and the dog, they team up to win the big money in a popular quiz show. Are they able to win the quiz? Or do they fail?
Spoiler-Free Review: Quiz Lady (2023/USA) movie
The introduction
We live in difficult and tension-filled times nowadays. So, when we get to silly comedy films like this one. we enjoy the fun. Then it is not about the deep and complex storyline. Instead, it is more about the kind of smiles, chuckles, giggles and laughs generated by its comical scenes.
So, what is the basic storyline?
In this fun-filled movie, a quiz game-show-obsessed woman Anne (Awkwafina) and her estranged sister Jenny (Sandra Oh) work together to help cover their mother’s gambling debts. The on-screen chemistry between these two sisters, played by Awkwafina (Anne) and Sandra Oh (Jenny) is certainly one of the highlights of this film.
There are quite a few scenes in the film
Besides the crazy banters of the sisters (video clip links are shared below), we also liked some of the cute little details in this film. For instance, Anne’s “neighbour from hell”, Francine’s house number is 666. Experienced comic actor Holland Taylor plays Francine’s character. In the past, we have liked her fun-filled acts in the Two and a Half Men series. Furthermore, there are a bunch of ridiculously funny scenes when the sisters embark on the road trip to Philadelphia. For those who are unaware, the original Rocky movie and its sequels are set in Philadelphia.
And quite hilariously, when Anne decides to go along with Jenny to Philadelphia, the theme song from Rocky III, Eye of the Tiger, begins to play in the film. As usual, all those references to boxing, the Rocky movies and their links to Philadelphia City come to the fore, much to our delight and amusement. No wonder, Jenny says to Anne, “It’s like you’re a boxer or something,” during Anne’s audition for the quiz show. It is another homage to Rocky – the Philadelphia underdog tale.
We liked Awkwafina, Sandra Oh, Will Farrell, etc.
Both the lead actors, Awkwafina and Sandra Oh, are full of energy in their scenes. Their funny one-liners are ridiculously funny in this comedy film about sisterhood. Not to forget, Will Ferrell (Terry McTeer), Jason Schwartzman (Ron Heacock) and the other members of its good supporting cast. Its ensemble cast has entertained us. On a sombre note, we have to mention actor Paul Reubens (Pee-Wee Herman), who played Francine’s crush in it. The world lost him this year. Rest in peace, Paul Reubens. This was Paul’s last acting role before his death in July 2023. Paul plays into a longstanding Hollywood joke about the resemblance between Paul and Scottish Actor Alan Cumming in the movie.
In this film, the quiz show host Terry McTeer (Will Ferrell) never wears the same bow tie twice. It seems that it is a direct nod to Vanna White, who never wears the same dress twice on the Wheel of Fortune game show in the USA.
The conclusion
We enjoyed this entertaining movie. Also, we liked that two actors of Asian origin are really killing it with their comedic talent. They are funny, lively, hilarious and heartwarming in the entire film. In fact, they behave like typical Asian siblings. And of course, we enjoyed this silly and light-hearted, delightful movie.,
Rating: Quiz Lady (2023/USA) Movie
| FM’s rating | 3.40/5 |
| FM’s short comments | Awkwafina (Anne) and Sandra Oh (Jenny) – both the leading actors who play the quirky sisters have good comic sparring scenes in this film. We also liked their great chemistry as typical siblings from Asia. We wish to see more of these two actors together in a few more comedy films in the future. |
Poster: Quiz Lady (2023/USA) Movie
Key Details: Quiz Lady (2023/USA) Movie
| Genre | Comedy |
| Original language | English (USA) |
| Released | November, 2023 |
| Duration | 1 hour 39 minutes |
| Writer | Jen D’Angelo |
| Director | Jessica Yu |
| Cast | Awkwafina (Anne Yum), Sandra Oh (Jenny Yum), Will Ferrell (Terry McTeer), Holland Taylor (Francine), Jason Schwartzman (Ron Heacock), Jodi Hou (Young Anne), Shirley Chen (Young Jenny), etc. |
| Networks | 20th Century Studios & Hulu |
| Taglines | Two Sisters. One Destiny. |
Trailer & Synopsis: Quiz Lady (2023/USA) Movie
A brilliant but tightly wound, gameshow-obsessed young woman, Anne (Awkwafina), and her estranged, train wreck of a sister, Jenny (Sandra Oh), must work together to help cover their mother's gambling debts. When Anne's beloved dog is kidnapped, they set out on a wild, cross-country trek to get the cash the only way they know how: by turning Anne into a bona fide game show champion.
Also, check out the YouTube Video clips
1st - Funny scene - Quiz Lady - "Why Don't You Go On That Show?" Official Clip - Hulu
2nd - one more funny scene - Quiz Lady - "Get Back In The Trunk" Official Clip - Hulu
Lastly, check out the FM Review of the Joy Ride (2023) Movie in our Focus Magazine, another Asian American comedy.
Featured Image and Poster of the Quiz Lady (2023) movie | Pics. Credit: 20th Century Studios & Hulu.
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