Review: In ‘Queenpins,’ a kitchen sink full of ideas
ABC News
“Queenpins” features an excellent cast and an intriguing plot in search of a coherent theme or style
The timing was perfect. The very moment I sat down to write about “Queenpins,” the inspired-by-actual-events tale of a coupon scheme gone awry, a tantalizing coupon popped up on my screen. It offered 20 percent off, for a popular brand of socks. I didn’t need socks. But 20 percent? Maybe I did need socks? I suddenly recalled what Ken, the hapless “loss prevention officer” played by a terrific Paul Walter Hauser, said in the film about why people use coupons: It’s not usually because they need the stuff. It’s the buzz — the “coupon high” they get when they score a deal. This alone could have made the germ of a movie: the psychology of discount shopping. But like many themes here, it gets muddled into a confusing — though often highly entertaining — pastiche of ideas and styles. Writer-directors Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly offer up a commentary on the value of work. There’s a critique of capitalism, and an intriguing buddy relationship between two women with very different lives but shared goals. There’s also the Robin Hood theory that some crime is justifiable, especially when you’re helping homemakers and hurting conglomerates who’ll just write off the losses anyway. And there’s … well, we could go on. But more is less, in this case.More Related News