Jackpot is set in a near-future Los Angeles in 2030, a world that has shifted due to economic hardships stemming from the Great Depression of 2026. The film introduces us to a society where the California Grand Lottery, a game with a deadly twist which has become a hope for cash-strapped citizens.
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The lottery promises a mega-billion jackpot, but with one condition, the winner must survive until sundown. Anyone who manages to kill the winner within this time frame claims the jackpot.
Paul Feig is known for his successful action-comedies like Bridesmaids and Spy who attempts to balance lighthearted action with the realities of a dystopian society.
Jackpot attempts to infuse humor into its setting, but the contrast between the two often feels jarring.
The narrative’s attempts to critique societal issues such as economic inequality and the commodification of human interactions, which are overshadowed by its pursuit of slapstick humor and over-the-top action.
Katie is a former child star with a cynical outlook, who is forced back into the spotlight when she accidentally activates a winning lottery ticket.
Awkwafina portrays Katie as a blend of cluelessness and grit, a character who is frustratingly oblivious.
Noel is a freelance bodyguard who becomes Katie’s protector. Cena’s character is a mix of brute strength and surprising sensitivity.
His WWE background adds authenticity to the physical comedy, the fight scenes are both believable and hilarious.
Jackpot features a diverse supporting cast that enhances the comedy including Simu Liu as the shady Lottery Protection Agency leader and Ayden Mayeri as a homicidal Airbnb host. Machine Gun Kelly makes a self-deprecating cameo.
The script, penned by Yescombe and it is built around a concept but falters in execution. The plot is filled with twists that are more predictable than surprising and much of the dialogue appears to be enhanced by the cast’s improvisational skills rather than the writing itself.
One of the Jackpot’s features is its ability to make action sequences genuinely funny. Feig and action choreographer James Young craft scenes that mix physical comedy with intense stunts such as John Cena fighting off a room of black belts with Awkwafina strapped to his back.
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Awkwafina’s character is portrayed as clumsy, performs complex stunts that require skill. The humor in these scenes is rooted in her character’s incompetence, which contrasts with Cena’s seasoned combat skills.
Awkwafina stars as Katie Kim, a former child star who moves to Los Angeles with dreams of reviving her acting career. Her character is portrayed as down-on-her-luck, experiencing a series of unfortunate events including having her watch stolen by a kind old woman.
Katie’s misfortune takes a turn when she accidentally wins the lottery, instantly becoming the target of every desperate individual in LA.
John Cena plays Noel Cassidy, a freelance lottery protection agent who takes on the task of keeping Katie alive until sundown.
Feig’s direction shines during the action scenes particularly those centered around Cena’s character. Cena, known for his background in WWE, brings a theatrical edge to the fight choreography.
Scenes such as a standoff in Machine Gun Kelly’s panic room and a fight where Cena is tied to a chair while rapping to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles soundtrack add a quirky, humorous element to the film.
Jackpot’s greatest flaw is its tonal inconsistency. While it tries to balance dark themes with lighthearted comedy. The film’s dystopian elements are not fully developed and the humor, though present, doesn’t always hit the mark.
Despite the strong cast including Awkwafina, Cena and a brief appearance by Dolly de Leon, the film fails to utilize their talents. The script’s shortcomings and the film’s uneven pacing prevent the actors from fully realizing their potential in their roles.
The fight choreography by James Young stands out, particularly in how it merges slapstick comedy with intense action.
The physicality of the fights is well-executed with Cena’s performance being a highlight. The film’s visual style complements its chaotic energy.
Quick cuts and dynamic camera movements enhance the sense of urgency and keep the audience engaged even as the plot’s logic begins to falter.
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