Photo: STX
Queenpins review: Coupon Clipping Comedy Pays Off - Pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon
Who doesn't love a good deal? Queenpins, the new Kristen Bell led comedy is a good deal for the viewer, following the true life story of a coupon queen gone criminal. Bell plays Connie, a former US Olympian who becomes obsessed with couponing as a way to fill the emotional voids she has in her life. This often brash but equally sensitive film is loosely based on the 2012 case of an Arizona woman who was the mastermind behind the biggest counterfeit coupon operation in history. Queenpins is a riotous buddy comedy set in the world of suburban housewives gone rogue.
Photo: STX
Connie has learned to cope with the numerous trials life has thrown at her by throwing herself into couponing. You've seen this type of real life character numerous times on countless TLC docuseries, and Bell nails it in every way. Recruiting her best friend JoJo, played by the criminally underrated Kirby Howell-Baptiste, the two go from stockpiling the best deals around to a criminal enterprise that makes the viewer nearly sympathetic to their crimes. Or maybe that's just me and I'm unknowingly a budding criminal in waiting?
Photo: STX
As their criminal enterprise grows to unfathomable levels, the ladies are assisted by Bebe Rexha in her first live action role. On their tail is Vince Vaughn, a US Postal Service Inspector, who was tipped off by local shopping market security guard (Paul Walter Hauser). The back and forth of the A and B storylines ultimately leading to their inevitable collision is an enjoyable ride for the viewer. It's especially great to see Vince Vaughn back on screen again in a well written comedy. Walter Hauser shines as the Loss Prevention employee determined to crack the case.
Photo: STX
Hilarious, clever and well written, QUEENPINS is the breath of fresh, funny air we need in these all too serious times. Often straddling the line between comedy and drama, this could have been a cinematic disaster, but the emotionally intelligent script and trio of leading ladies make this coupon comedy pay off for the viewer.
Queenpins, starring Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Bebe Rexha, Vince Vaughn and Paul Walter Hauser is in Cinemark theaters now and streams exclusively on Paramount Plus beginning September 30th.
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