Instead, Hauser's character is a loss-prevention officer for a grocery store chain. Ramirez pleaded guilty to counterfeiting, fraud, and illegal control of an enterprise. In May 2019, it was announced Kristen Bell and Leslie Jones had joined the cast of the film, with Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly directing from a screenplay they wrote. In real life, the Phoenix Police Department led the investigation with the assistance of the FBI. Queenpins, directed and written by Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly, adapts a real-life story and presents it most humorously and entertainingly. No, not at all, Bell told TheWrap. Thats money in the bank.'. Because they arent exactly hardened criminals, they think that the money theyve made through their shell company has to be laundered, so they bought all these high priced items with the intent to just immediately resell them. No Offense, But These 2 Big Retailers Aren't The Cheapest Ad MoneyWise. This film wasn't deep, and at times it stretched credibility, but it was fun and engaging. The film revolves around an ordinary suburban housewife's desire to forge her own path, which ultimately leads her to the world of scams. And I just want to play the humanity of the guy while adding some comedic elements to him.. And I just want to play the humanity of the guy while adding some comedic elements to him.. Hauser previouslyworked with Howell-Baptiste in Cruella and also appeared in I, Tonya. Because they arent exactly hardened criminals, they think that the money theyve made through their shell company has to be laundered, so they bought all these high priced items with the intent to just immediately resell them. They were ringleader Robin Ramirez (46 at the time of her arrest), Marilyn Johnson (62), and Amiko "Amy" Fountain (42). For her first film since Frozen II (the 10th highest-grossing movie of all-time . This is much more inspired So we dont really know anything about the real players and we kind of didnt want to. Indeed, the movie is inspired by a true story, but just how closely does the film follow the events and people its based on? Ramirez, the ringleader, was the only one sentenced to prison time two years while her counterparts got probation. Coupons wasnt even the biggest, most interesting case I did. SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY NEWSLETTER, FIRST TAKE, July 2012, police in Phoenix, Arizona arrested three women, Queenpins Trailer: Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste Are the Robin Hood of Coupons (Video), Netflixs The Sandman TV Series Casts Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Death. The Coupon Queens cheated as many as 40 major manufacturers (Business Insider). Kirby Howell-Baptiste co-stars as JoJo Johnson, an aspiring YouTube vlogger and Connie's partner in crime. Upon realizing that they could get a coupon for a free item sent to them just by complaining to the manufacturer, they come up with a plan to smuggle and steal cases of those coupons, to then sell to people. Ben Stiller serves as an executive producer under his Red Hour Productions banner. In Queenpins, its Ken Miller who pleads with the FBI to get involved, but in the end, he ends up working with Vince Vaughns postal inspector character, with the reasoning being that the crime was technically committed via snail mail. In the movie, the women are fictionalized as Connie (Bell) and Jojo (Howell-Baptiste), who end up living much the same way. So even though the events of nearly a decade ago seem like old news to the rest of us, its something the culprits continue to live with. Shecan next be seen in the indie film Silent Night and later inThe Sandman TV series. The group would have fake coupons made oversees, including reproductions of legitimate coupons and made-up ones with steep savings. Tempe Tina does not have a real-life counterpart. [4] In September 2020, Kirby Howell-Baptiste joined the cast of the film, replacing Jones, with Ben Stiller joining as an executive producer under his Red Hour Productions banner, with STX Entertainment set to distribute. The bare-bones blueprint for the story is accurate; a small group of women make millions selling counterfeit coupons. Those are intriguing issues but themovie is less interested in exploring them than it is giving the queenpins makeovers and silly plot detours involving a militia and extended scatological humor. Dayo OkeniyiasEarl - Okeniyi plays Earl, who just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, which results in a hilarious interrogation scene with Ken and Simon. See production, box office & company info. In July 2012, police in Phoenix, Arizona arrested three women in a coupon scam that cost manufacturers roughly $40 million. And where does that curmudgeonly frame come from? And after reading the script and falling massively in love with it, because it was such a grounded comedy, I did some research about these women. (music by) Cinematography by Andrew Wehde . I was very excited when I saw on the front page of the script that was based on a true story. However, they quickly learned that with a little crime, they could actually make money off of it. No. So they may be the first ones to tell you that coupon crime may make for a great Hollywood comedy but in real life, its no laughing matter. Eventually, they brought in Phoenix police, who conducted aneight-week investigation. Authorities later estimated that the coupon ring cost corporations hundreds of millions of dollars in profit. "These aren't 50-cent-off coupons. Unilever also claimed losses, pointing to five particular coupons that had been founded in Ramirezs home, though a judge ruled that they couldn't prove that the three women were responsible for selling them. Just to make him more sympathetic, in addition to the $2 an hour, he has a pregnant wife who also works at the factory. The only real-life individual you could say was better off after the case than before, is the man who cracked the case. Here's the cast and character guide and the real-life counterparts. After complaining about cereal gone stale, the pair receives dozens of freebies, inspiring them to hatch an illegal coupon club scheme. Queenpins tells a comedic story of two down-on-their-luck Phoenix women who discover their path to prosperity by concocting a $40 million counterfeit coupon scheme that all comes crashing down when they get caught. However, everything that's built onto this premise in the movie is almost entirely fictional. The filmmakers are not trying to hurt anybody, or glorify the crime, theyre just trying to make a funny story. But, he cautioned, we cant say that it doesnt matter that a person is only selling coupons when we look at the amount of economic damage that does., Counterfeiters like the three Phoenix women, and the many customers who bought coupons from them, are fully aware that what theyre doing is wrong, Lake believes. Credit: Courtesy STX Films. Yes, a bear actually did consumer millions of dollars worth of cocaine. They were ringleader Robin Ramirez (46 at the time of her arrest), Marilyn Johnson (62), and Amiko "Amy" Fountain (42). In the wake of the bust, all three women pleaded guilty. It's not a seamless fit. The duo then interview a group of postal workers, who remember JoJo, especially because Earl is always watching her videos. Their unbelievable success eventually catches the attention of law enforcement. Annie MumoloasCrystal - Mumolo appears in the minor role of Crystal. The crime comedy is based on a counterfeit coupon empire that shocked law enforcement. In July of 2012, police raided Ramirez's home andseized more than $25 million worth of fake coupons. She really likes to watch out the window as we land and it helps calm her down. The real Queenpins' mugshots are displayed below. [Resumes eating snacks and looking out the window], Watch Queenpins: Gita Pullapilly & Aron Gaudet On Why Kristen Bell And Kirby Howell-Baptiste Were Right For Their Roles, Watch Queenpins: Kristen Bell On How She Became Involved In The Film, Watch Queenpins: Paul Walter Hauser On What Drew Him To The Film, Watch Queenpins: Kirby Howell-Baptiste On How She Became Involved In The Film, Watch Queenpins: Bebe Rexha On The Experience She's Had So Far Acting In Her First Film. A trailer released this month shows how a suburban housewife (Bell) and her coupon vlogger friend (Howell-Baptiste) come up with a scheme to sell fake coupons online, earning them millions of dollars while contributing to costly losses for brands like Proctor & Gamble andUnilever. Coupon enthusiast Jill Cataldo warns, "Even though many places sell coupons online, you should never buy them. That's one reasonbeyond saving moneythe scam was so successful. At $300 a month, even if she stays current in her payments, it will take more than 120 years to pay off her share of the restitution order. A real disc jockey inspired Robin Williams classic character. Queenpins is a 2021 American comedy film written and directed by Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly. Bud Miller, Executive Director of the Coupon Information Center, told money-saving columnist Jill Cataldo at the time, "These customers should expect contact in the future." The movie, which premieres September 10, offers a comical take on the true story ofRobin Ramirez, Amiko Fountain, and Marilyn Johnson of Phoenix, Arizona, who were arrested in 2012 for their years-long counterfeitingracket and ordered to pay P&G millions in restitution. Will DiGravio is a Brooklyn-based critic, researcher, and video essayist, who has been a contributor at Film School Rejects since 2018. 'Its like Robin Hood,' Howell-Baptiste's character says in the trailer, summing up the coupon fraud plan. A charge for forgery was dropped. When we're with Connie and JoJo, the tone of "Queenpins" is upbeat and sit-com-y, with Dolly Parton on the soundtrack telling us everything is going to be all right. It stars Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Paul Walter Hauser, Bebe Rexha, and Vince Vaughn. They were just two normal women, who felt taken advantage of by major corporations, and genuinely wanted to help other women and families who were struggling. They encounter married employees Alejandro and Rosa Diaz, who agree to send them the unused coupons. Lets break it down. Ken: Yeah no, even if I wanted to switch, I think it's more important that your daughter learn a valuable lesson. The three real-life Coupon Queens carried out their counterfeit operation in Phoenix, Arizona where they lived. The opulence and the money was the equivalent of drug cartel-type of stuff. The opulence and the money was the equivalent of drug cartel-type of stuff. By mail. Kristen Bell as Connie Kaminski Kristen Bell stars as Connie Kaminski, a suburban housewife who just wants to find a solution for the debt burying her and her husband. Summary: Amelia Watson, a senior but loose cannon, problem child detective of City PD, has to prevent a war. The site's name was inspired by the legit coupon magazine Savvy Shopper, which is in no way related. And thats why they make excuses, he said. They also come into possession of guns, cars and boats in an effort to. Upon realizing that they could get a coupon for a free item sent to them just by complaining to the manufacturer, they come up with a plan to smuggle and steal cases of those coupons, to then sell to people. The Coupon Information Corporation got wind of the scheme, and brought it to the attention of investigators, which is how it eventually landed on the desk of Phoenix Police Sergeant David Lake. They interview people from grocery stores that the ladies frequent, almost all of whom recognize Connie due to her constantly irritating coupon usage, even successfully linking her to the "Savvy Super Saver" website as she uses its slogan while shopping. Together, they set up a website called Savvy Super Saver, and eventually make millions of dollars in turn, costing multiple manufacturers millions of dollars. -Investigative Consultants. Lets break it down. Un par de amas de casa crean una estafa de cupones de 40 millones de dlares. You know what, I bet if a better actor were playing Ken Miller, thered probably be a little fine tooth combing involved with the world of loss prevention. Carly Stern For Dailymail.com At the time of her arrest, investigators discovered Ramirez had four online accounts and 12 bank accounts. "This is to American companies who produced American products and hire American citizens" (DSA). It isvery pleasurable in the moment but likely to leave you feeling empty and a little queasy. But lets be honest: its hard to feel too sorry for the corporations in this instance. They don't call it robbery; they prefer "removing" or "separating.". Marilyn Johnson, 54, Robin Ramirez, 40, and Amiko Fountain, 42, were taken into custody, and in a press conference, police said a search warrant served resulted in the seizing of $40 million worth of coupons and $2 million worth of assets from the womens homes, including $240,000 in vehicles, 22 guns, and a 40-foot speedboat. Real Stories is an ongoing column about the true stories behind movies and TV shows. This installment focuses on the true story behind the crime comedy Queenpins. Vince Vaughnas Simon Kilmurry -Vince Vaughn plays Simon Kilmurry, a U.S. postal inspector who works with Ken to investigate the coupon scam. Kristen Bell as Connie Kaminski and Kirby Howell-Baptiste as JoJo Johnson in QUEENPINS. Woman on Plane: Hey sorry, uhm, would you mind if we switched seats, just for this last part? The women sold their counterfeit coupons on various online sites, including eBay and their own website, SavvyShopperSite.com. Read about the latest trends in couponing, get some new coupon alerts and keep up with stories across the country and around the world that have to do with coupons, the companies that issue them and the consumers who use them. Authorities also seized twenty-two assault weapons and twenty-one vehicles, including a forty-foot boat, in the raid. David Lake said. -TIME. Along with paying Procter & Gamble millions of dollars, Ramirez had to serve jail time. When Phoenix police seized the counterfeit coupons and the women's assets, they discovered computer records that listed all of the customers who had purchased coupons from the women. Ramirez, too, declined to respond to requests for comment. The site's critics consensus reads: "Lowbrow humor and inconsistent storytelling undercut Queenpins' talented cast, making this coupon-clipping comedy a disappointingly poor bargain. They also come into possession of guns, cars and boats in an effort to clean the money theyve made from selling coupons. Much the same can be said for Paul Walter Houser, who plays Ken Miller, the loss prevention officer that uncovers and eventually busts Connie and Jojos scam. JoJo combines two people in real life:Amiko Fountain and Marilyn Johnson. And after reading the script and falling massively in love with it, because it was such a grounded comedy, I did some research about these women. None of the characters are based on the real individuals involved, Gaudet told Coupons in the News. Queenpins Cast And Character Guide: Where You Know The Actors From, Worth Cast & Character Guide: What The Real People Look Like, Free Guy Cast, Characters & All Cameos Guide, Q-Force Cast & Character Guide: Where You Know The Actors From. [12] Hauser's performance as fraud specialist Ken Miller received praise from critics who praised his onscreen chemistry with Vaughn while noting that the film established him as a comedic actor after his breakthrough role in 2019's Richard Jewell. Once there, buyers would have access to an array of high-dollar coupons. Bud is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and an industry veteran. Queenpins: Dirigido por Aron Gaudet, Gita Pullapilly. The Phoenix Police Department conducted undercover operations in which they purchased the counterfeit coupons. Meanwhile, Ken is partnered with U.S. postal inspector Simon Kilmurry. And I think it comes from loneliness and feeling isolated and kind of under-utilized or under-appreciated. The coupons were sold on a site called Savvy Shopper Site, to which interested parties had to be referred or invited directly to use. The ringleader, Robin Ramirez, started selling bogus coupons as far back as 2007, and was eventually joined by accomplices Marilyn Johnson and Amiko Fountain. The comedy Queenpins features a talented cast coming together to tell a crazy true story. Mumolo was an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter for the romantic comedy Bridesmaids. You know what, I bet if a better actor were playing Ken Miller, thered probably be a little fine tooth combing involved with the world of loss prevention. Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste, playing the lead roles, are as spectacular as ever. That is the basic premise of Queenpins, a comedy reuniting The Good Place co-stars Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste as the two leads. Heres how the real Queenpins counterfeit coupon ring worked: shoppers would purchase the coupons on websites like eBay and/or be invited or referred to the rings personal website, savvyshoppersite.com. They also come into possession of guns, cars and boats in an effort to. The real-life Queenpins: How three Arizona women were busted with $25 MILLION in counterfeit coupons they were selling online - and inspired a new movie starring Kristen Bell Thats the type of money they had, Sgt. They enjoy their newfound wealth, only to have their criminal enterprise crumble when they are investigated, raided, and arrested. Kiara frowned, watching the usually stoic Ame toss and turn in the driver's seat. But nobody really thought it was a big deal, because, you know, its coupons.. Kristen Anne Bell (born 1980) is an American actress and singer. In real life, the FBI did get involved, along with the non-profit Coupon Information Center. And I just want to play the humanity of the guy while adding some comedic elements to him.. We're all looking for a loophole to find our joy and happiness in life." Thats the type of money they had, Sgt. Your email address will not be published. We just wanted to create our own characters.. Queenpins has arrived in theaters and on Paramount+, telling the story of the countrys largest counterfeit coupon scam. But the coupons were high-quality counterfeits. A pair of housewives create a $40 million coupon scam. In the movie, the women are fictionalized as Connie (Bell) and Jojo (Howell-Baptiste), who end up living much the same way. 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(edited by) Casting By Ben Harris Allison Jones Production Design by Jennifer Klide Art Direction by Adri Siriwatt Costume Design by Julie Carnahan Makeup Department Production Management Mike Upton . It was then that they learned of the fakes that were in circulation. Bud Miller is thought to have loosely inspired Paul Walter Hauser's character in the movie, Ken Miller. He also focused more on the character aspect of his part, rather than talking to anyone actually involved in loss prevention. She has also worked on soundtracks for movies like Abominable and, most recently, He's All That. Why the USPS? In July 2012, police in Phoenix, Arizona arrested three women in a coupon scam that cost manufacturers roughly $40 million. Some customers became aware of the bust after they tried to use the coupons and they didn't work. They also seized more than $2 million in other assets, including 22 guns, cash, 21 vehicles, and a speed boat. Required fields are marked *. The two women in the movie, Connie Kaminski (Kristen Bell) and JoJo Johnson (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), are not directly based on any of the real-life women.Kristen Bell's character's background of being a former Olympic race walker who turns to couponing after having no luck getting pregnant (and spending tens of thousands on in vitro treatments) is fictional, as is Kirby Howell-Baptiste's character's unsuccessful efforts to make it as a vlogger. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Nell Minow is the Contributing Editor at RogerEbert.com. 'Queenpins' Plot Summary In addition to the $40 million in counterfeit coupons that they confiscated, police seized $2 million in assets from the three women, including four homes, 22 guns, a 40-foot speed boat, and 21 vehicles. They'd then sell them on eBay and a website, SavvyShopperSite, for a profit. Netherlands ($200,244), United Arab Emirates ($123,281), Hungary ($88,609), Croatia ($41,810), Lithuania ($18,354), Iceland ($11,774), South Africa ($5,900) and Portugal ($5,501). Though the pair face forty-years-to-life, the companies that they victimized clandestinely press the courts for leniency to avoid bad press, resulting in ten days imprisonment plus one year of probation for JoJo and eleven months incarceration (parole eligible in eight) for Connie. They also come into possession of guns, cars and boats in an effort to clean the money theyve made from selling coupons. All three women were arrested and charged with forgery, fraud and counterfeiting. She was most likely added to the script for comedic reasons in order to frame Connie and JoJo as being in over their heads and desperately needing outside help. Queenpins is Rexha's first major acting role. Marilyn Johnson, 54, Robin Ramirez, 40, and Amiko Fountain, 42, were taken into custody, and in a press conference, police said a search warrant served resulted in the seizing of $40 million worth of coupons and $2 million worth of assets from the womens homes, including $240,000 in vehicles, 22 guns, and a 40-foot speedboat. The Arizona coupon ring's leader, Robin Ramirez, rented an aircraft hangar to store her cars, 40-foot speedboat, luxury RV, and various off-road toys. Rexha's character helps Connie and JoJo evade the authorities, mainly by strengthening their internet security. They were also ordered to pay Proctor & Gamble more than $1.2 million. The scheme came crashing down after forty businesses, including major companies like Proctor & Gamble, Hershey, and PepsiCo, filed fraud complaints. Dave Lake told CBS5 later. In the movie, the women are fictionalized as Connie (Bell) and Jojo (Howell-Baptiste), who end up living much the same way. The leader, Ramirez, pleaded guilty to fraud, counterfeiting, and illegal control of an enterprise. The opulence and the money was the equivalent of drug cartel-type of stuff. And why Bell and co-star Paul Walter Houser didnt talk to the real people behind the characters they play. Instead, he becomes highly frustrated when the FBI blows off his concerns. She portrays a fictional computer hacker named Tempe Tina, who helps the two main characters with their coupon scam. Ben Stiller serves as an executive producer under his Red Hour Productions banner. The postal inspector tells Connie it's 1 year for every $100,000 earned fraudulently and that she's looking at 40 years. Others nabbed coupons for free pet food, diapers, and household goods from as many as 40 major manufacturers, including PepsiCo and Hershey. 110 minutes Cast Kristen Bell Kirby Howell-Baptiste as JoJo Paul Walter Hauser Vince Vaughn Joel McHale Bebe Rexha as Tempe Tina Dayo Okeniyi Nick Cassavetes Michael Masini Paul Rust Eduardo Franco Marc Evan Jackson Lidia Porto Greta Oglesby Jack McBrayer Annie Mumolo Director Aron Gaudet The fake coupon game isnt a joke. For example, a person could use a $25 coupon to purchase a $15 bag of dog food and receive the difference in cash. Marilyn Johnson, 54, Robin Ramirez, 40, and Amiko Fountain, 42, were taken into custody, and in a press conference, police said a search warrant served resulted in the seizing of $40 million worth of coupons and $2 million worth of assets from the womens homes, including $240,000 in vehicles, 22 guns, and a 40-foot speedboat. 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