Review by Jon Donnis
"Jackpot!" is a 2024 American action-comedy directed by Paul Feig and penned by Rob Yescombe, a film that boasts an intriguing premise but unfortunately falls short of its potential. Set in the not-so-distant future, with a state ravished by the idiotic socialist policies of its leadership, high inflation, poor living conditions (sound familiar?) the story imagines a world where winning the lottery isn't just about instant wealth, but about surviving the day as well. It's a novel idea, ripe for both tension and laughs, yet the film struggles to fully deliver on either front.
The narrative centres around Katie Kim, a struggling actress played by the ever-charismatic Awkwafina, who unexpectedly wins the 'Grand Lottery' in California. The twist? California's new law states that anyone holding a losing ticket can legally murder the winner before sundown and claim the jackpot. It's a deliciously dark concept that sets the stage for a wild ride across Los Angeles, (think a light hearted version of The Purge), with Katie forced to team up with Noel Cassidy, an amateur lottery protection agent played by John Cena. Together, they must dodge a myriad of quirky, dangerous, and outright bizarre assassins, all eager to cash in on Katie's billion-dollar prize.
Awkwafina shines in the role of Katie, bringing her trademark wit and relatability to a character who feels out of her depth but determined to survive. Her chemistry with John Cena's Noel is one of the film's few consistent delights. Cena, playing the tough-but-goofy protector, is clearly in his element, and his physicality adds a layer of authenticity to the action sequences. Their partnership, albeit predictable, is engaging, and they make for an entertaining duo as they navigate the perilous streets of Los Angeles. SPecial shout out toe John Cena's makeup and hair team, they are doing miracles with that thinning thatch.
Simu Liu, cast as Noel's slick rival Louis Lewis, provides a compelling foil to Cena's character. However, despite his undeniable screen presence, Liu's talents are somewhat underutilised, with his role feeling more like an obligatory antagonist rather than a fully fleshed-out character.
The supporting cast, including Ayden Mayeri as the eccentric Shadi, Donald Elise Watkins as the DJ-turned-hacker Donald, and Sam Asghari as the no-nonsense Senior Agent Ash, all add colour to the film, but are often sidelined by the relentless pace of the plot. Bobby Lee's cameo as himself is a brief but memorable moment, injecting a bit of self-aware humour into the mix.
Visually, "Jackpot!" impresses with its well-choreographed action scenes and creative set pieces. Paul Feig's direction ensures that the film moves at a brisk pace, with moments of genuine suspense as Katie and Noel evade their pursuers. The cinematography captures the sun-soaked yet perilous streets of Los Angeles, and the futuristic touches, though minimal, are enough to sell the near-future setting without overwhelming the story.
However, where "Jackpot!" stumbles is in its comedic elements. For a film marketed as an action-comedy, it surprisingly lacks the sharp humour one would expect from a Feig-directed project. The jokes often fall flat, and the attempts at satire feel half-hearted, leaving the audience yearning for the biting wit or clever dialogue that could have elevated the film. It's clear that much of the humour relies on improvisation, particularly from Awkwafina and Cena, but without a strong script to back them up, even their best efforts can't quite land the punchlines.
The film also suffers from a sense of predictability, with the plot unfolding in a rather formulaic manner. It's as if the movie was crafted by an algorithm, ticking off boxes for action, tension, and comedy, but missing the soul that makes such a story truly engaging. There's an underlying sense that "Jackpot!" could have been more, a sharper script, a tighter narrative, and a stronger commitment to its comedic roots might have made it a standout in the genre. Was the script literally written by AI after inputting a few prompts?
Jackpot! is a film that tantalises with its concept but ultimately underwhelms in execution. Awkwafina and John Cena do their best to breathe life into their roles, and there are moments of genuine excitement, but the film's lacklustre humour and by-the-numbers storytelling prevent it from hitting the jackpot it so clearly aspires to be. With a score of 5 out of 10, "Jackpot!" is a missed opportunity, delivering a moderately entertaining experience that fades from memory as quickly as it plays out on screen.
Out Now on Prime Video
