Queenpins

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 10, 2021

Genre
Comedy, Crime

Cast & Crew

• Kristen Bell as Connie Kaminski
• Kirby Howell-Baptiste as JoJo Johnson
• Paul Walter Hauser as Ken Miller
• Vince Vaughn as Simon Kilmurry
• Bebe Rexha as Tempe Tina
• Stephen Root as Agent Blake

Director
Aron Gaudet
Gita Pullapilly

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Beneath the Harvest Sky (2013)
• The Way We Get By (2009) (Documentary)

Producer
Kristen Bell
Gita Pullapilly
Aron Gaudet
Dani Melia
AGC Studios

Writer
Aron Gaudet
Gita Pullapilly

Budget
$20 million

Production Company
STXfilms
AGC Studios
Red Hour Productions

Running Time
110 minutes

Languages
English (Original)

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Language
• Some sexual content
• Mild violence

Movie Story
Queenpins is a crime-comedy inspired by the true story of the largest coupon counterfeit scam in U.S. history. The film follows Connie Kaminski (Kristen Bell), a former Olympic race walker turned suburban housewife, who is frustrated by the monotony of her life and the financial struggles she faces with her husband. Desperate for a change, Connie discovers the lucrative world of couponing, where she initially uses her skills to save money on groceries. However, her talents quickly evolve into something much bigger when she and her best friend JoJo Johnson (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), a vlogger with dreams of financial independence, stumble upon a scheme to create counterfeit coupons.

What starts as a small operation in Connie’s kitchen soon explodes into a multi-million-dollar scam, as the duo begins to sell the fake coupons online, attracting thousands of customers and making a fortune. Their business draws the attention of a disgruntled loss prevention officer, Ken Miller (Paul Walter Hauser), and a determined U.S. Postal Inspector, Simon Kilmurry (Vince Vaughn), who team up to take down the “coupon cartel.”

As Connie and JoJo enjoy their newfound wealth, the film explores the absurdity and humor of their situation. The characters navigate the challenges of running an illegal operation, balancing their personal lives, and evading law enforcement. The film balances comedy with commentary on consumer culture, the American Dream, and the lengths people will go to achieve financial security. Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste have a natural comedic chemistry that drives the film, making Queenpins both entertaining and engaging.

Special Effects
Queenpins relies more on its clever writing and performances than on special effects. However, the film’s production design and visual style effectively convey the suburban setting and the increasingly extravagant lifestyle that Connie and JoJo adopt as their scheme escalates. The use of vibrant colors and dynamic camera work adds a lively energy to the film, complementing its comedic tone.

Box Office Performance
Queenpins had a limited theatrical release and was simultaneously released on the streaming platform Paramount+. Despite the challenges of a hybrid release strategy during the pandemic, the film received positive reviews for its humor and performances, particularly those of Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste. Its success on streaming helped it reach a wider audience, contributing to its overall performance.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA
• Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Notable Quotes

• “We’re going to need a bigger shredder.” – Connie
• “We’re not criminals, we’re just bad at being good.” – JoJo
• “This is a federal offense! I’m pretty sure this is a federal offense.” – Ken Miller

Behind-the-Scenes
Directors Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly drew inspiration from real-life events, adding their unique comedic spin to the story. Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste, who had previously worked together on The Good Place, brought their strong on-screen chemistry to Queenpins, making their characters’ friendship feel authentic and relatable. The film also marked singer Bebe Rexha’s acting debut, where she played the tech-savvy hacker, Tempe Tina, adding to the film’s quirky ensemble.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Comedy at the 2022 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards

Final Verdict
Queenpins is a light-hearted and entertaining comedy that stands out with its unique premise and strong performances. Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste deliver engaging and funny portrayals of two women who turn the American Dream on its head. While it may not delve deeply into the darker aspects of the real-life story that inspired it, Queenpins offers a fun, escapist experience that’s perfect for fans of crime comedies with a twist.

IMDb Rating
6.3/10