Queenpins
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Queenpins
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Queenpins is a crime comedy about gaming the coupon system that stars Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste. While the scam at the center of the story is based on actual events, the film's criminal "masterminds" are fictional and are compassionately portrayed as anti-heroes. The story shines a light on "pink collar crime," i.e., the idea of "nice" women breaking the law due to difficult circumstances. Connie (Bell) is still emotionally recovering from a miscarriage, and JoJo (Howell-Baptiste) is living with her mother after identity theft created chaos in her finances. Guns are a plot point, but no bullets fly here -- just F-bombs, as well as lots of other strong language ("d--k," "s--t," etc.). The film offers diverse representations among the cast; while the movie can't claim to promote the message that crime doesn't pay, teens may garner the idea that there's value in being frugal.
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What's the Story?
Based on actual events, QUEENPINS follows Connie (Kristen Bell) and JoJo (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), best friends whose couponing "hobby" is more a way of life. When Connie learns of a way to game the couponing system, she and JoJo go into business selling the discounts, dodging the law to do so.
Is It Any Good?
There's no discount on laughs in this ripped-from-the-headlines coupon clipper comedy; it sparkles at full value, thanks to its perfectly assembled cast. The so-weird-it's got-to-be-true story does come from real events: In 2012, three Phoenix women really did pull off a massive multimillion-dollar illegal coupon scam. Queenpins fictionalizes the characters while sticking to some of the facts of the case, but these invented characters are fully dimensional, brought to life by actors who embody them to a tee. (That said, from a parent's perspective, they might be too sympathetic -- we're asked to root for these "sweet" women who are working out their life's frustrations by turning their hobby into a life of crime.)
While thoroughly entertaining, with heroes where you least expect them (Vince Vaughn's by-the-book postal inspector is a very positive cinematic role model when it comes to law enforcement), the film sends messages that are shaky. Tidbits that will stick include realizing how much money you can save through coupons and an explanation of how winning changes your brain chemistry. What's missing is the lesson you think you're going to get: that friends who commit crimes together do time together. Consequences exist, but they're not positioned in a way that will be remotely effective. Because Queenpins is entertaining, with thoroughly relatable characters, there's a feeling of condoning the women's behavior and the idea that the rules don't -- or shouldn't -- apply to everyone.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Queenpins' sympathetic portrayal of people who broke the law. What message does that send, if any? Can crime be justified?
As women's roles in mainstream Western society have become more complex, so have films that show women as criminals -- such as Ocean's 8, Widows, and The Kitchen. What do you think of that trend? How does this film compare?
Do the consequences (or lack thereof) that the women face for their criminal acts seem fair? The film suggests that their corporate "victims" aren't worthy of our sympathy. What do you think?
Do you think Postal Inspector Simon Kilmurray's assertion that "The simplest explanation tends to be the right one" is accurate? Why, or why not?
Discuss the "winner effect" that is mentioned -- i.e., the way brain chemistry changes with every win. How does that relate to saving money through couponing? What other activities might create this effect?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 10, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: October 1, 2021
- Cast: Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Paul Walter Hauser
- Directors: Aron Gaudet, Gita Pullapilly
- Studio: STX Entertainment
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship
- Run time: 110 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language throughout
- Last updated: July 1, 2022
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Ocean's 8
Breezy heist comedy has fab cast, some iffy behavior.
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The Bling Ring
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Bad Moms
Over-the-top comedy is funny but raunchy, predictable.
For kids who love funny friendships
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