The Coupon Caper: A Review of “Queenpins”
Connie (Kristen Bell) and JoJo (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), two best friends, share an unusual passion: extreme couponing. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Connie stumbles upon a loophole – manufacturers issue special, high-value coupons in response to customer complaints. Spotting an opportunity, the duo decides to turn this discovery into a lucrative online business. However, their coupon empire soon attracts the attention of a determined loss prevention officer, who teams up with a postal inspector to unravel the secrets behind their seemingly brilliant scheme.
Kristen Bell as Connie Kaminski in “Queenpins”
More Than Just a Discount
Initially, the premise of “Queenpins” might seem like a uniquely American phenomenon. However, the film touches upon a universal truth about consumer behavior. As one character explains, people are drawn to coupons not necessarily because they need the items, but because they crave the feeling of getting a good deal. This psychology of discounts, familiar to anyone who’s ever been lured by a sale, could have been a fascinating foundation for the film. Unfortunately, like many of the deeper themes it hints at, this idea remains largely unexplored, overshadowed by the film’s reliance on lighthearted humor.
Kirby Howell-Baptiste as JoJo Johnson in “Queenpins”
Missed Opportunities
There are moments when “Queenpins” seems poised to delve into more meaningful territory. The film touches on themes of female friendship, shared aspirations, the aftermath of a broken marriage, the exploitation of cheap labor, and even a critique of capitalism. The story unfolds against the backdrop of economic inequality in America, where low-income families rely on coupons to afford basic necessities while the corporations that issue those coupons perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
In this morally ambiguous world, the act of stealing coupons from where they are printed in Mexico becomes almost justifiable. This is the logic that drives the characters’ actions. However, the film struggles to balance its social commentary with its comedic tone. It often portrays the protagonists as overly quirky and eccentric, reducing them to caricatures of naive housewives who stumble into a fortune and then squander it in a desperate attempt to launder their ill-gotten gains.
Kristen Bell as Connie Kaminski in “Queenpins”
Robin Hoods of Retail?
“Queenpins” flirts with the idea of portraying its protagonists as modern-day Robin Hoods. The film seems to suggest that the perceived evils of corporations justify the heroines’ crimes. However, the filmmakers never fully commit to this idea. Unlike films such as “Ocean’s Eight,” where the characters’ actions exist in a moral gray area, “Queenpins” struggles to create a similar sense of ambiguity.
A Glimmer of Depth
Perhaps the film’s most successful element is its exploration of grief and loss. Connie’s struggles with infertility and the pain of a recent miscarriage are subtly woven into the narrative. Her child’s room gradually transforms into a storage space for coupon-acquired goods, with stacks of cereal boxes acting as a barrier against her emotional turmoil. These purchases become a way for Connie to regain control over her life and ultimately find a sense of peace and family.
Ultimately, “Queenpins” had the potential to be a poignant dramedy that resonated with a wider audience. However, the film’s focus on the “con” aspect overshadows the deeper themes of desperation and loss.