Tag / Asian Representation

by mvfour

‘Quiz Lady’ is the Movie of the Moment — It’s the Awkwafina, Sandra Oh, and Will Ferrell Collaboration You Didn’t Know You Needed

The star-studded cast breathes new life into the much-needed comedy genre.

From L to R: Sandra Oh and Awkwafina in ‘Quiz Lady’; Photo: Courtesy of 20th Century Studios.

Quiz Lady follows Anne Yum (Awkwafina, Crazy Rich Asians, Ocean’s 8), an introverted, game-show-loving woman whose penchant for the show Can’t Stop the Quiz, hosted by whimsical and quirky Terry McTeer (Will Ferrell, Barbie, Elf), begins at a young age while her mother gambles and her dad drinks, and her actress-wannabe older sister chases fame. It’s the latch-key kid syndrome all over again — this time for the millennial generation. Anne continues to preoccupy her time with the show and grows to be an unassuming accountant her coworkers barely pay any mind to.

One day, Anne’s mother’s assisted living residence calls to let her know her mother has fled the facility and they don’t really want her back if and when she’s found. To make matters worse, Anne’s mother’s gambling vice hasn’t subsided with age, and she owes 80 grand to a gangster named Ken, who’s kidnapped Anne’s beloved dog, Mr. Linguini until Anne can settle the debt. The pug is living the life. Anne fears he may not want to return to her after experiencing a lavish lifestyle, and she panics. Jenny, Anne’s sister (Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy, Killing Eve), visits indefinitely, as she’s financially unstable and unrelentingly impulsive and has a strained relationship with her younger sister. Anne isn’t happy.

Sandra Oh as Jenny Yum, holding Mr. Linguini in ‘Quiz Lady’; Photo: courtesy of 20th Century Studios.

Jenny secretly films Anne’s rapid-fire succession of correct answers to the questions on Can’t Stop the Quiz and posts the video on the Internet, which goes viral. Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, Anne must contend with becoming a contestant and beating the reigning champion, Ron Heacock, played smarmily with just the right amount of dislike-ability as only Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore, Asteroid City) can pull off. Can’t Stop the Quiz’s Will Ferrell mirrors his SNL days as Alex Trebek and other game show hosts he’s masterfully assumed on SNL with deadpan panache.

Will Ferrell as Terry McTeer on ‘Quiz Lady’: Photo: courtesy of 20th Century Studios.

Both Awkwafina and Sandra Oh give standout performances. But it’s Oh’s departure from serious, complex, and sarcastic characters that make her quirky and funny portrayal of Jenny shine — a testament to Oh’s acting range. Directed by Jessica Yu, written by Jen D’Angelo, and produced by Will Ferrell, Quiz Lady is a funny, heartfelt, relatable sister relationship movie you don’t want to miss. Watch it on Hulu now!

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