"Quiz Lady", helmed by Jessica Yu and penned by Jen D’Angelo, channels the nostalgic vibes of '90s buddy comedies like Penelope Spheeris' “Black Sheep.” This blend of outlandish comedic sketches, snappy quips, and genuine emotional depth sometimes stumbles in its juggling act, but Sandra Oh's undeniable charisma keeps it together.
Meet Anne (Awkwafina), an accountant in her 30s clad in beige attire, who has religiously followed "Can't Stop The Quiz", a game show reminiscent of "Jeopardy!", since she was just a toddler - coinciding with the departure of her father. Her chunky pug, Linguini, stands as her sole companion in life, besides the comforting sight of the game show's host, Terry McTeer (Will Ferrell). Ferrell's portrayal seems like a blend between his "SNL" impersonation of Alex Trebek and the warm demeanor of Mister Rogers. She never misses an episode and has an alarm to ensure that.
A mix-up at their mother's nursing home pulls Jenny (Sandra Oh) back into Anne's life. With her bold attire and blue-accented hair, Jenny arrives ready to mourn, only to discover their mother has ventured to Macau on a gambling spree. Jobless Jenny proclaims she's channeling her energy to shape her future. She makes herself at home, posting a video that captures Anne's knack for answering every game show question correctly. This viral video leads them into trouble when a bookie kidnaps Linguini to recover their mother’s hefty gambling debt. Their solution? Get Anne on "Can't Stop The Quiz."
The ensuing narrative unfolds with Jenny and Anne navigating a series of uproarious escapades. From a spontaneous road trip to Philadelphia, a quirky stay in a Ben Franklin-themed hotel managed by a devoted impersonator (played amusingly by Tony Hale), to Anne experiencing an unexpected high, the shenanigans are endless. Alongside, they face off against the menacing bookie, and Anne challenges a cocky, recurring contestant (Jason Schwartzman).
Amid these antics, the bond between Oh and Awkwafina comes alive. Their portrayals, marked by past memories and emotional baggage, invoke a spectrum of feelings. While Awkwafina's subdued take on Anne often feels restrained, Oh revels in portraying the exuberant Jenny, showcasing her comedic prowess while unveiling Jenny's underlying vulnerabilities.
Navigating the movie, the sisters strive not only to settle their mother's debts and rescue Linguini but also to mend their strained bond. D’Angelo's screenplay astutely unravels their history, offering varying perspectives from Anne and Jenny. With their significant age difference, Anne's recollections mainly highlight her frustrations towards Jenny, overlooking the countless times Jenny shielded her.
"Quiz Lady" really stands out in its portrayal of genuine moments of sisterly affection. The comedic elements, which were a hit at the Toronto International Film Festival, are complimented by these heartwarming scenes. Ferrell's role as the game show host is another highlight. Avoiding the pitfall of caricature, he delivers a soulful performance, reminiscent of his role in “Stranger Than Fiction.” In a memorable scene, he advises an overwhelmed Anne not to fixate on victory but to cherish the moments and memories. A resonant piece of advice that resonates beyond the silver screen.
