‘Quasi’ Review – Humor, Heart, And Heaps Of Oysters

Synopsis: A hapless hunchback yearns for love, but finds himself in the middle of a murderous feud between the Pope and the king of France when each orders the hunchback to kill the other.

Only you can count yourself out. People can say and feel how they want, but it’s up to you to believe in what you deserve in this life. However, that means you take opportunities when they come therefore not allowing the fear that others impose to influence future movements. It can seem easier said than done, but if someone has to control your life, why not you?

“Hunchback, I want you to assassinate the king.”

Just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about the famous hunchback, Quasimodo, a new tale comes along where he trades in the bell tower for a torture rack and is asked to do the unthinkable. Directed by Kevin Heffernan and written by the entire Broken Lizard ensemble, Quasi is an underdog story filled with humor, heart, and heaps of oysters. Narrated by Brian Cox, this medieval yarn of fate, destiny, deception, friendship, scorned lovers, and romance is sure to charm and entertain while providing a new perspective. After almost 30 years of careful crafting and consideration, this film has perhaps the most love poured into it out of any Broken Lizard creation. However, as their comedy is a mixture of sophistication and highly sophomoric yet hilarious jokes and hijinx, there is a noticeable cloud of caution that lingers throughout this period piece. Be it the ever-evolving social climate or simply wanting a more serious story to be at the forefront, when compared to past films, the difference is discernible. Nevertheless, Quasi is a good time.

“Oysters! Oysters! Oysters!

While this film may have a dangerous plot, some incredibly funny running gags, and can easily be watched back to back, it also has surprisingly positive messaging. Whether it’s to make the best of your circumstances, self-acceptance, doing the right thing, or having your friends back, at times, it comes close to family-friendly. Well, that is until a spike is driven through a scrotum, people are stabbed to death, or the bearer of the hump gets to hump. All of which are done in comedic fashion. And let me not forget, it wouldn’t be a Quasimodo story without an interesting romantic entanglement. With said romance could come liberation, never before experienced love, and all-you-can-eat Belon oysters or a painful and humiliating death. But before Quasi can focus on anything else, he must do the bidding of the extremely petty, King Guy as well as the self-aggrandizing Pope which involves the permanent nap of the other.

The biggest positives of the film are the performances and the costumes. The talented ensemble fully committed to their multiple roles and it pays off. The costumes, along with the hair and makeup are phenomenal. Without a production design that matched the time period, the appearance of the cast would still transport you. Also, Heffernan’s direction made the film flow smoothly. With a 4/20 release, it’s only right to experience the film as the holiday suggests and do so while laughing as much as possible. There may be some jokes that you miss on the first watch so don’t be afraid to partake a second time. Its rewatchability is medium.

 

Pacing & Pop

You can liken this film’s pace to other past Broken Lizard films. However, where you may assume that you’ll get an out-of-control comedy, you instead get a well-thought-out, measured, and perhaps too-calculated journey. What popped for me were the running gags and the crew playing multiple characters. Be sure to pay attention to Michel.

 

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: JAY CHANDRASEKHAR, KEVIN HEFFERNAN, STEVE LEMME, PAUL SOTER, ERIK STOLHANSKE, and ADRIANNE PALICKI

This cast is awesome and I don’t you’d expect anything less from the Broken Lizard crew or Adrianne Palicki. The chemistry is amazing as always but the performances hit differently this time in a great way. It could be that the content is a tad more serious this time or the fact that it is one of the first things the group ever wrote, either way, they did great. Steve Lemme crushed his portrayal of Quasi. He’s relatable and charismatic, and you want to see him win. Adrianne Palicki is a great addition. While we’re used to seeing her in dramatic or action roles, she effortlessly holds her own in this comedy. The absurdity of Jay Chandrasekhar’s King Guy and Paul Soter’s Pope is probably my favorite aspects of the film. Erik Stolhanske’s Michel has the best running gag of the film that went over my head the first time. And Kevin Heffernan while on top of directing, plays two characters with perhaps the most screentime besides Quasi… champion.

Quasi begins streaming exclusively on Hulu on April 20, 2023. Remain safe and prepare for Super Troopers 3.

Rated: R

Runtime: 1h 34m

Director: Kevin Heffernan Writers: Broken Lizard

Producer: Richard Perello

Director of Photography: Joe Collins

Costume Design: Kelly Kwon

Production Design: Bianca Ferro