Quiz Lady

Quiz Lady
Starring Awkwafina, Sandra Oh, Will Ferrell, Jason Schwartzman
Directed by Jessica Yu

Anyone who's read my reviews for awhile know how I feel about comedies, and how most of the time I don't really find them funny. They tend to follow the same basic formula with a different window dressing each time, where we're introduced to our reluctant hero before encountering a situation that they need to get themselves out of. Instead of doing the easy thing they go to outlandish methods to fix their problem and oftentimes bring along an estranged family member or friend along for the ride. Right when everything will be solved an unexpected misunderstanding occurs which creates a rift between the main character and their family member/friend leading to some moments of sadness and the "all is lost" moment before everyone comes back together for the greater good and everyone comes out victorious and better for the experience. While "Quiz Lady" follows this exact formula to a T, it's actually an enjoyable comedy I found myself laughing out loud during numerous times to my own surprise - due to the impeccable performances and natural chemistry of Awkwafina and Sandra Oh.

Anne (Awkwafina) is a mild-mannered paper pusher who doesn't really interact with anyone and spends every night at home with her pug Linguini watching the television game show "Can't Stop the Quiz" hosted by Terry McTeer (Will Ferrell) - a show she's been watching since she was four and her father walked out on the family. When her mother goes missing from the retirement home, she reunites with her older estranged sister Jenny (Sandra Oh) and finds that she's on a gambling bender in Macau. Jenny sees Anne answering all the questions on the game show and suggests she goes on, but Anne is too shy and apprehensive to do so - so Jenny secretly records her and her post goes viral.

Anne's newfound fame lands them in trouble when their mother's gambling debtor comes to her demanding the money owed, and if she doesn't get him the money they'll kill her dog. Jenny convinces Anne to go on the game show to get the money and dethrone the snobby contestant Ron Heacock (Jason Schwartzman) - and along the way the two sisters grow closer.


The Good:
Awkwafina has a stellar track record for her comedic performances as long as you're a fan of hers - if not then you'll find her outlandish comedy style more grating than not. But here she's playing a different type of character than the loud, wisecracking over-the-top character but rather the subdued, shy, quiet one who eventually finds her own voice. It's a refreshing change of pace for the actress and apart from a few hiccups she really nailed it.

Likewise Sandra Oh isn't known for her physical comedy prowess as she's most remembered for her serious roles in "Grey's Anatomy" and "Killing Eve," but here she's allowed to let loose and show that she really has great comedic timing. In a role that seems tailor-made for Awkwafina, she plays the over-the-top older sister who's a total slacker but has a heart of gold underneath a firm exterior that slowly bubbles to the surface as she and Anne reconnect on their mismatched road trip to save their dog.

Together these two actresses really shine and work well off one another, showing their vulnerabilities as well as their comedic timing in pitch perfect precision. Whether they're staying at a classic Ben Franklin bed and breakfast or Jenny trying to calm Anne down with drugs before the audition or Anne dealing with Jenny's freak arm accident, these two connect their comedic jabs left and right like world class boxing heavyweights.

Even Will Ferrell - whom I'm not really a fan of with his recent work - does an admirable job as the game show host, which could've been an easy fit for him as he's well-known for playing the offbeat Alex Trebek in the "SNL" skits. But here he shows a more serious side while still providing humorous jabs, especially when he's giving Anne a pep talk where he shares the stories of people who've lost the game and tells her it's not about winning. I was surprised I was actually moved by it.

While the story beats are generic, the family drama at the heart has some serious moments. Anne and Jenny are both hurting for different reasons which leads them to lash out at one another, but in the end they finally understand nothing is more important than family - and will leave a little tear in your eye.


The Bad:
As I said in my opener the film follows every single beat of the comedy subgenre note-for-note that doesn't leave any room for surprises or shocks, and while it's not necessarily a deal breaker, it comes across - to me at least - as lazy writing.

Jason Schwartzman's Ron Heacock was an annoying character, a Ken Jennings-type savant who is on the verge of breaking the daily winning streak on the show and proves himself as an arrogant, snobby person but in a way that's grating on the ears. It's more a caricature than a flushed out character.


The Summary:
While sticking to the generic roots of comedic storytelling, "Quiz Lady" is heightened by the great performances from Awkwafina and Sandra Oh.


The Score: A-