Highly recommended if you're in need of a good laugh.
read more
Based on the true story of the infamous case of Arizona women who engaged in extreme couponing. Who'd have guessed that coupons could be illegal? It can absolutely be criminal if it is used to make money unlawfully.
Queenpins is directed by husband and wife duo, Gita Pullapilly and Aron Gaudet. Starring Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Paul Walter Hauser, Vince Vaugh, and Bebe Rexha.
This film was either a yes or a no-go. I tried to persuade myself that it was a good film, but there was little that stood out. Giving it the benefit of the doubt, owing to the fact that it is based on a true story. It's clear that they're attempting to set the climax and have the highs and lows in such a way that it's somewhat flattering to the audience. It, however, was a complete failure. As a result, I'm going to say no. My theory is that indeed, it's too insipid, but something about the comic component won me over.. a bit!
Adding to that, the film's pedestal is plain laid flat, most likely due to Connie's temperament as a bored and disgruntled suburban homemaker. Ricki Kaminski (Connie's husband) and herself continued to try to start a family. Both had given up hope after numerous attempts. Connie used extreme couponing as a coping mechanism while Ricki proceeded with his everyday routine of traveling for work.
Then comes the apparition of a local supermarket chain's Loss Prevention Officer (Paul Walter Hauser), who teams up with a determined US Postal Inspector. What purpose do these characters serve in the film, I wondered? I didn't think their appearances were really remarkable. But, once again, there's something to it. It made me laugh so hard that I couldn't stop.
Though the movie doesn't hold too many surprises, it was incredibly funny. They did warn us ahead of time, but other than that, it was a rather straightforward watch.
The production design makes great sense in terms of the plot now that we're here. It takes place in a less-than-glamorous part of the United States that is rarely shown in movies. The atmosphere is much more relaxed and pleasant in this area. The costumes were also shoddy. But it's a “good” kind of messy as it shows an actual representation of “normal” everyday people. They had good cinematography that was simple and straightforward. The music was crystal clear and crisp, and so was the sound. The soundtrack kept you alive and sane as you questioned what the hell was going on just as the film was falling flat yet again.
Queenpins may not be something I'd watch again but I will certainly recommend others to see it, at least just once. You will undoubtedly laugh, despite the film falling short without a BANG. Extreme couponing has insane psychological consequences. Highly recommended if you're in need of a good laugh.
read less