Quiz shows have existed for ages, with many iterations spawning across several television networks that millions watch daily. These have even gone on to influence several other shows and movies. Perhaps it was from my fondness for trivia shows like Jeopardy, but when I first watched the trailer for Quiz Lady, I was excited for what was to come.
Directed by Jessica Yu and written by Jen D’Angelo, Quiz Lady stars some major talent, including Norah Lum, a.k.a. Awkwafina as Anne, Sandra Oh as Jenny, Holland Taylor as Francine, Tony Hale as Ben, Dumbfounded as Ken, and Will Ferrell as Terry McTeer.
Quiz Lady follows the Yum sisters, Awkwafina as the younger sister, the very serious and responsible Anne, and Sandra Oh as the older sister, the wild and ambitious Jenny. The two grew up at odds with one another and their mother, and that tension followed them into their adult life. Throughout all that familial conflict, Anne finds comfort in her daily quiz show, Can’t Stop the Quiz, featuring Ferrell as the game show host, Terry McTeer. Shenanigans ensue, which leads the Yum sisters to need money to pay off their mother’s loans, and clearly, the only solution is to have Anne get on the show to pay off those debts.
The movie is incredibly hilarious, with Lum and Oh delivering some amazing sisterly chemistry that fully carries the film’s enjoyability. It is such a joy to watch them play against their usual types. More often than not, Lum plays the comedic sidekick roles with her familiar comedic beats and jokes. Likewise, Oh is often portrayed in serious or emotionally mature roles. However, seeing them play as their respective Yum sisters was a delight. Their comedic deliveries were commanding, and when they came together to reconcile their familial and sisterly differences, they made hearts swell. As much as the Yum sisters clash and differ, especially in the way they think and definitely in the way they dress, their realization of their similarities and shared love for one another ties this whole movie together.
Holland Taylor portrays Francine, Anne’s grumpy neighbour, who gets looped into this quiz show shenanigans. Taylor is excellent as usual in her roles, and Francine delivered some great laughs in this movie, contrasting to Lum and Oh. Dumbfounded was a surprise cameo, and although he’s prominently known for his music, he had some decent acting chops to match the other talent onscreen. Although he did not have much screen time, he packed a memorable punch with his few scenes.
Will Ferrell portrays the host of Can’t Stop the Quiz. There is no apparent connection to other wholesome and heartwarming game show hosts. Still, there was no denying that his portrayal of Terry McTeer had the same charm, grace, and kindness reminiscent of the incomparable Alex Trebek. Perhaps that was more of my projection, especially as a massive fan of Trebek, but seeing Ferrell play Terry was comforting. He truly felt like an actual game show host with that perfect mix of a witty and welcoming presence to contestants and audiences.
The movie runs just over 90 minutes, which is enough time for Quiz Lady and allows for a comfortable pacing of events. There are some hilarious, weird (in a good way) moments, and while some scenes feel like vignettes, they all come together to make a remarkable story about sisters.
Rating: 8/10