Jackpot, directed by Paul Feig, feels like a comedy spin on The Purge, but with mixed results. While it aims to combine humor and action, the film doesn’t quite hit the mark in either department.
In the near future, a ‘Grand Lottery’ has been newly established in California – the catch: kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion dollar jackpot. When Katie Kim (Awkwafina) moves to Los Angeles, she mistakenly finds herself with the winning ticket. Desperate to survive the hordes of jackpot hunters, she reluctantly joins forces with amateur lottery protection agent Noel Cassidy (John Cena) who will do everything in his power to get her to sundown in exchange for a piece of her prize. However, Noel must face off with his slick rival Louis Lewis (Simu Liu), who also seeks to collect Katie’s commission at all costs. JACKPOT! is directed by Paul Feig and written by Rob Yescombe.
Awkwafina continues her streak of divisive performances, bringing her usual over-the-top energy that, depending on your taste, will either amuse or annoy. Unfortunately, in Jackpot, it leans more toward the latter, with her character feeling grating rather than endearing. On the other hand, John Cena is clearly having a blast. Since his early days in Hollywood, where his performances were wooden at best, Cena has carved out a niche as a lovable action star, and here, he’s the film’s saving grace. His enthusiasm and charisma shine through, making his scenes some of the most enjoyable parts of the movie.
However, the film is bogged down by an overabundance of unnecessary swearing, which often feels out of step with the overall tone. The profanity seems forced, as if it’s there for shock value rather than adding anything meaningful to the dialogue or humor.
Despite its flaws, Jackpot is serviceable enough as a one-time watch. The premise is fun, and there are a few laughs to be had, especially when Cena is on screen. But it’s not a film that sticks with you or one you’ll find yourself wanting to revisit.
In the end, Jackpot is a decent, if forgettable, entry in the action-comedy genre. It has its moments, but it’s not a movie that will leave a lasting impression.
JACKPOT! Is Streaming Globally NOW on Prime Video
