Queenpins - A Movie Review

This is a story about coupons.

Queenpins is 2021 film. Connie and JoJo create an illegal business surrounding coupons. The scheme scams millions of corporations, leading a hapless loss-prevention officer and U.S. postal inspector to come after them.

Films like Queenpins prove that you can make a story about anything. I liked the comedy, but the film needed help delivering its story. The moral of Queenpins warns viewers to be careful with how they spend money or else they’ll get in trouble.

Queenpins was cast well with Kristen Bell and Kirby as Connie and JoJo. Both are talented actresses, especially Kirby, a supporting character I saw on my favorite series, Barry. The pair made a natural comedic team, though we could have had more backstory about their characters.

In a separate storyline, Ken Miller. a loss prevention officer, and Simon Kilmurry, a U.S. postal inspector track down the women. Paul Walter Hauser and Vince Vaughn made a hilarious comedic team. Now I want to see a spinoff movie with them.

Hauser is starting to come into the limelight more. He deserves all the roles he can get because he is a talented actor with a commendable range. As for Vaughn, I was so excited to see him in this movie. To think four years ago I disliked Vaughn and would never watch his movies. Ever since his performance in Freaky, I gave him a second chance.

The women meet several unique characters in their adventures. No adventure movie goes without an eccentric ensemble. To ensure their money is safe, the women seek advice from crypto tech nerd Tempe Tina (Bebe Rexha). Rexha was excellent in the role. More credits include Joel McHale, Dayo Okeniyi, Greta Oglesby, Stephen Root, and Eduardo Franco.

I discovered after my watch that Queenpins is based on a true story. Directors Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly made the story fun and exciting, though they overcrowded the film with storylines. Queenpins is a hilarious comedy, though midway it loses focus. The comedy dynamics work well between the characters only for one group to steal it.

The comedy is the film’s main ingredient. The actors do a great job delivering it. However, the comedy becomes too over-the-top and uneven with the film’s tone. Connie and JoJo buy expensive cars, go to a sperm bank, and even purchase guns. The banter between Hauser and Vaughn faded, turning to bathroom humor

The script is conducted well, but noticeable filler loads the film. I understand writers wanted to fill as much space from the actual events. Most scenes and banter between characters could have been cut. We could have delved deeper into the character's lives.

Is money your friend or an enemy? It’s nice to have money, but we shouldn’t obsess over it and buy things we’d never purchase. Bell commented that money should be spent on experiences instead of things. I couldn’t agree more. The moral of Queenpins attests to how we should make the best of our lives, regardless of currency.

Although the premise of the film is silly, give it a chance. Similar to creating new businesses, movies should always experiment with unique premises. You have to give every idea a try, like a coupon business. Unlike Connie and JoJo who bend the rules, you never know how certain ideas will help people in their daily lives.

Queenpins is worth checking out for its talents, comedy, and unpredictable nature. It’s one of those comedies where you sit and enjoy without thinking too hard. Stories can be found in the most unexpected places.