In the year 2026, a great depression led to citizens and the government being desperate for money. To combat this, ‘The California Grand Lottery’ began. The winner would get a multi-billion dollar prize, but only if they can make it to sundown. You see, anyone who kills this ‘Jackpot’ would be awarded the grand prize in return. There are only two rules; no guns and nobody else can be killed. Beyond that, it’s game on.
It’s now 2030, and the Grand Lottery is the biggest thing in Los Angeles. Everyone’s ready to kill each other already and now they have a reason, except for wannabe actress Katie (Awkwafina), newly arrived in town and completely unaware of the peril she finds herself in. When she accidentally obtains the “winning” ticket, she falls into the crosshairs of everyone in the city. Fighting for her life, she is rescued by Noel (John Cena), a kind hearted freelance hero bodyguard willing to keep her survive until sundown… for 10% of the profits.
As the unlikely duo make their way across town, they fend off wave after wave of assailants. With time ticking down and the stakes ramping up, they eventually must also deal with Louis Lewis (Simu Liu). Louis is the head of a much more successful and lucrative protection organisation. They have the toys, they have the funding, but do they have the heart that Noel has? Katie wanted to be a star and now for the rest of the day, everyone wants a piece of her!
Directed by Paul Feig, Jackpot! comes written by Rob Yescombe, best known for his work writing for several hit video games. With a buddy comedy oil and water dynamic, the film is much more interested in throwing caution to the wind, making the audience laugh and not being terribly serious. To this, Feig‘s penchant for allowing his performers to adlib is on full display, as our hero’s quip their way from one action scene to another.
This can be distracting at times, with Cena and Awkwafina not delivering with their improv as well as the cast of some of Feig‘s other films. Bridesmaids (2011) worked in this respect as many of the stars were trained comedians who had worked together for years. The “Line-O-Rama” on display in Jackpot! is less related to its characters playing off each other and more from simple pop culture references scattered throughout.
Feig isn’t as comfortable with action films than he is with comedy and Jackpot! is less exciting as a result. Jackpot! features numerous action heavy fight sequences which fall flat due to the lack of energy and mediocre staging. Cena is no stranger to the genre (both action and comedy) and his scenes play much better. Awkwafina on the other hand, while a versatile actor in her own way, is not suited at all to the combat role she keeps getting thrust into during this film. Even when a stunt double is not being used, Feig shoots in in such a way that it still looks like one is.
There’s interesting story buried here with Yescombe‘s script teasing at themes of childhood abandonment, celebrity worship, greed and self-respect, but the irreverent nature of the rest of the film detracts from this. Only when the pacing slows down are the gags briefly abandoned and we hear about Katie and Noel‘s tragic backstories. However, they never feel like real characters, seemingly out of place.
It’s hard to recommend Jackpot! for numerous reasons; the worldbuilding of this dystopian future is lazy, its characters are underdeveloped and its action is lacklustre. As a harmless movie to stream, there are a few laughs. However, unfortunately Feig has made much funnier films than this in the past, as have Awkwafina and John Cena separately.
Jackpot! is available for streaming now on Prime Video.