Is Quiz Lady safe for kids? Is Quiz Lady OK for children? Read the Quiz Lady Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide and mom review of the all-new 2023 20th Century Studios live action comedy streaming exclusively on Hulu, starring Awkwafina and Sandra Oh. No spoilers! #QuizLady May contain commissioned links.
Quiz Lady Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide
Before y’all start, I already know what you’re thinking. “Christie, this is an R-rated movie. What are you doing reviewing this one?”
Yes, Quiz Lady is an R rated movie. But hear me out.
Asian representation. Period. I could stop right there. However, we also have Awkwafina and Sandra Oh (can I get a Grey’s Anatomy fan AMEN?) together in the same movie, easy Hulu television streaming access for kids, and a 2023 TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) official selection stamp of approval. And let’s be honest, it’s a “light” R rating by the MPAA.
In a first for this mom movie reviewer, I’m sharing everything about Quiz Lady, the all-new, original comedy film coming to Hulu on November 3, 2023. In This Quiz Lady Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m breaking down the visuals, the story, a full R age rating explanation for violence, adult themes and language, and what kids’ age recommendation is suggested to watch in this new 2023 Quiz Lady parents guide to the new Hulu original live action comedy film. A no-spoiler parent review of Quiz Lady, is this Asian comedy done right? Or representation gone wrong?
The Visuals
Visually, Quiz Lady is a lower budget 20th Century Studios film streaming on Hulu. You can come to your own conclusions. Visually, don’t expect this Asian American comedy movie to blow your mind. But there’s nothing wrong with the overall look of this film.
Photosensitivity Warning. For viewers prone to epilepsy and photosensitivity, there are is one memorable scene when drugs are ingested and simulated CGI-induced effects ensue. Mild dizziness may occur. There are no bright flashing or strobing lights.
The Story
Quiz Lady stars Awkwafina (“Crazy Rich Asians“) as gameshow-obsessed Anne Yum and Sandra Oh (“Under the Tuscan Sun“) as estranged sister Jenny in this original 20th Century Studios comedy film, also starring Will Ferrell (“Elf“). Directed by Jessica Yu (“Misconception“) and written by Jen D’Angelo (“Hocus Pocus 2“), this movie gained international recognition at TIFF 2023.
In this light but foul comedy about the Asian American experience, Awkwafina and Oh’s clashing personalities team up to pay off their mom’s gambling debts and get a kidnapped dog back. Quiz Lady combines game show comedy and awkward Asian family dynamics – along with famous cameos and pop culture references. With so much comedic talent coming together, I expected Quiz Show to really wow me with Asian representation, laugh out loud lines, and a few heartfelt story moments.
However, I think the story missed the punchline. While there were some underlying Asian family love themes, jokes about Asian American culture, and a lighthearted game show story, it felt not fully committed, not quite authentic. The most surprising part of this film, the unusual role reversals.
Quiz Lady R Rating Explained
Is Quiz Lady safe for kids? Well, it’s an R-rated Hulu original film from 20th Century Studios. Should parents be concerned? It’s no secret that I am highly skeptical of all MPAA ratings (um hello, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker not disclosing any language??). And as we know, not all movie and TV age ratings are the same. As a parent, it’s been rather heartbreaking to witness how ratings have shifted over the years with a G-rating no longer an option.
PG ratings now oscillating between Turning Red intense to Christopher Robin calm, and even PG-13/TV-14 age ratings teetering on the edge of R or MA ratings (Moon Knight and Werewolf by Night, I see you!), there’s a wide range between the age of 0-14 years old for parents to consider. Having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or show is kid friendly – and safe for the whole family to watch together.
Why is Quiz Lady rated R? In this Quiz Lady Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, this 2023 Hulu original comedy film is rated R for “some drug use and language.” With film and TV ratings also unpredictable these days, having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or television show like Quiz Lady is kid friendly. Is Quiz Lady for kids? Is Quiz Lady too inappropriate for kids? Let’s breakdown that R age rating in this Quiz Lady parents guide.
Violence/Suspense. Violence is overall mild for this film. There is one scene of a person getting “hit by a car.” This is for comedic purposes. One scene depicting a dramatic fall. There are also a few scenes that take place in a hospital setting including bone crunching sounds and disturbing images of a displaced limb. No blood or gore shown.
Adult Themes. Suggestive humor and adult themes are rampant in this film, even though not disclosed. There are multiple references to drug use including ingesting pills and CGI effects related to the ingestion. Drug verbal references include “toke” and “cocaine.” Vaping is also present – physical usage and verbal discussion. There is also alcohol and bar scenes present – overall mild for alcohol usage. Multiple discussions of gambling and betting for money.
Toilet humor is present, especially for punchline effect. Multiple references to human and animal feces, including visuals and swear word usage (see below). References to viral videos and social media usage.
Mild sexual references as well including “sexual cannibal,” “made out,” and “selling your eggs.” One LGBTQ+ reference of “I’m gay.” There are some outfits that are tight fitting and “sexy” looking.
Multiple heavy adult themes including mental health, divorce, death and loss, stereotyping and Asian racism, again for comedic effect.
Language. As expected for a rated R film, foul language is heavy hitting in Quiz Lady. Swear words include 2 “f*ck,”, 1 “motherf*ckers,” 3 “b!tch”, 15 “sh!t,” 1 “@sshole,” 1 “bad@ss,” 3 “g*dd@mn,” 3 “H-E-double-hockey sticks,” 2 “sucks,” and one visual middle finger gesture.
Other milder bad language and insults include “freakishly,” “imbecile,” “idiots,” “loser,” “jerk,” “moron,” “weirdo,” “dumb,” “stupid,” “bloody,” “geeze,” “gosh,” “shut up,” “Lord,” “oh my g-d,” “Jesus,” and “Satan.” The R-rating was earned on the 3 f*ck references alone.
Quiz Lady Age Rating for Kids
With a runtime of 1 hour 39 minutes, Quiz Lady relies heavily on swear words, drug usage, and racist remarks for comedic punchlines. Vulgar and foul, Quiz Lady is little too adult for kids, in my opinion.
Quiz Lady is most comparable to Slumdog Millionaire meets Mallrats?? Let me know if you find a better movie similarity matchup.
This 2023 20th Century Studios original comedy film streaming on Hulu is rated R for “some drug use and language” by the MPAA.
No, no post-credit scenes in the 2023 Quiz Lady movie.
Based on my Quiz Lady parents guide and mom review above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Quiz Lady to kids younger than the age of 17 years old.
Considering the full R rating breakdown above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Quiz Lady to kids younger than the age of 17 years old. This Quiz Lady R rating is pretty spot on for language and adult themes, and easily comparable to R-rated comedy film ratings.
With heavy swear words, drug usage and racist remarks for comedic relief, this is a mature adult comedy film based on the Asian American experience. I recommend parents to prescreen Quiz Lady for adult themes and language. And full disclosure. No, I don’t think Quiz Lady 2023 movie is for kids.
The Overall
Well, it’s not Asian representation gone wrong. But it’s not exactly right either.
Talk about role reversal. Awkwafina awkwardly takes a back seat to Oh’s physical comedy in Quiz Lady. But overall, I needed more commitment.
Making a punchline out of Asian culture, family dynamics, and the Asian experience, I felt like the comedy could have come from a much deeper, more authentic place. But attempting to balance too many themes, too many character dynamics and too many issues without commitment, Quiz Lady falls short of being an authentic heartfelt comedy or even a true physical comedy.
With heavy language, drug references and Asian racism taking over what should have been a light and fun quiz show storyline, the opposing themes clash more than mesh together. Throw in an awkwardly toned down Will Ferrell role and mental health issues, Quiz Lady becomes a watered down Asian comedy that could have been so much more.
I appreciate Asian representation any way that I can get it. The Asian family love theme – I felt it. But overall, I felt like Quiz Lady was a waste of Awkwafina, Oh and Ferrell’s comedic talent. Foul, but watchable. But hey, if you’re looking for an easy watch, Quiz Lady is an easy-to-digest adult comedy film that’s an overall good, but not memorable.
BTW, no. Quiz Lady is NOT for kids.
Follow Quiz Lady on social media:
- Website: https://www.hulu.com/movie/quiz-lady-7eddb1d7-1ff3-474a-9db7-8d708fc1308a
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hulu
- Twitter (“X”): https://twitter.com/hulu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hulu/
- #QuizLady
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Quiz Lady, the all-new live action comedy film from 20th Century Studios is streaming exclusively on Hulu starting Friday, November 3, 2023. Will your family be watching?
I was invited to screen the new Quiz Lady 2023 film in exchange for this Quiz Lady Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide. All photos courtesy of Disney/20th Century Studios. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment and behind-the-scenes info!
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