Quiz Lady
⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
Since the release of Crazy Rich Asians, two phenomena have occurred throughout Hollywood. The first is the bankability of Asian-American films. This rising force has been given new freedoms and storylines within the industry. Along with this exciting genre of films, the world was officially introduced to the multi-talented comedic stylings of husky-voiced Awkwafina. As an artist, she has found her place on various projects that capitalise on her humour and dramatic skills to bring depth to most roles.
The Golden Globe winner’s latest project has her playing the role of Anne, a game-show-obsessed recluse who finds herself needed to raise quick money to save her mother and her beloved dog. As loan sharks attempt to extort money from the auditor, she must team up with her self-centred, unreliable sister, Jenny (Sandra Oh), to pay off their mother’s debts. Despite Anne’s aversion to public spaces and attention, she is finally convinced that the only way to get the funds is for her to try out for her favourite game show, Can’t Stop The Quiz, which is hosted by everyone’s most loved game show host, Terry McTeer (Will Ferrell). This cross-country adventure takes the sisters to places neither could have foreseen before and forces them to confront their complicated family history.
Sandra Oh and Awkwafina have committed to reinventing the screwball comedy. A genre that has struggled to survive this overly sensitive modern culture. They are allowed to delve into the misunderstood world of racism and take comedy back to its amusing roots. Each play caricatures that used to be typical in films of this tone, but give it a fresh cultural spin that may be refreshing for audiences. Not that any of Jen D'Angelo’s script is original, except that it exposes the challenges of Asian families within the American landscape. Still, this comedic duo offers enough for viewers to escape into their story and get a few laughs.
REEL DIALOGUE: What would you do for your family?
Quiz Lady proves that despite considerable differences in personalities and familial experiences, siblings have an undeniable bond. Anne’s commitment to helping her family is commendable and does lead her to breaking free from her sheltered experience. Yet, the process was painful to watch, and there was no guarantee that she would ever become the champion she was trained to be throughout her life.
The confrontational aspect is asking yourself whether to risk everything for your family. Everyone has a different response when it comes to the idea of family. For some, it will bring a smile to their lips, while others get an ulcer merely thinking of their siblings, and for others, it will cause tears to well up in their eyes. The Yum family does depict the best and worst of the family experience. Yet, it always holds the value of family in high regard. It is a bittersweet gift that is given to us by God.
Regardless of your personal reality with your family, have you taken the time to show your parents, children, and extended family appreciation for the blessing they are to you?
We love because he [God] first loved us. - 1 John 4:19
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