Jackpot! is another example of John Cena proving time and again that he is a genuinely funny guy with a tremendous physical comedic presence. Director Paul Feig’s latest comedy outing takes us to a near-future California where winning the lottery comes with a deadly catch — you have to survive until sunset to claim your prize. It’s a ridiculous concept, but somehow, it works, even if it’s more of a popcorn flick than anything too deep.
Jackpot! follows Katie Kim, played with perfect awkward charm by Awkwafina, as she tries to find fame and fortune in a dystopian LA of the near future. Through a series of unfortunate events, Katie finds herself in possession of the winning lottery ticket, and what was meant to be a simple casting interview turns into one of the most chaotic days of her life. Awkwafina’s comedic timing and expressive reactions provide much of the film’s humour, especially in the early scenes as Katie comes to terms with her sudden change of fortune (both good and bad).
In a world where winning the lottery means surviving a scenario akin to The Purge, you’ll need help to make it through the day alive. Enter John Cena as Noel Cassidy, an amateur “jackpot protector” who takes it upon himself to ensure Katie survives until sundown. Cena once again showcases his comedic talents, portraying Noel with an endearing mix of bravado and clumsiness. His chemistry with Awkwafina is spot-on, and their banter provides many of the film’s funniest moments as this unlikely duo navigates increasingly absurd obstacles.
As if that weren’t enough, the movie introduces Simu Liu as Louis Lewis, a rival protector who’s eager to claim the commission for getting Katie to safety. Liu, as always, brings his trademark charisma to the role, clearly having a blast as the smooth-talking foil to Cena’s rough-around-the-edges Noel. The rivalry between the two protectors leads to some excellent physical comedy setpieces as they try to outdo each other. This is also where the Jackpot! ramps up the action, adding more big-budget violence into the mix.
Jackpot! adheres to its own sense of reality, moving at a brisk pace as Katie and her would-be protectors race across Los Angeles, constantly staying one step ahead of the hordes trying to claim the jackpot for themselves. The action sequences are competently shot, with more emphasis on humour than on the actual violence they depict. While the concept may not be particularly revolutionary, the frantic, improvisational style of the fights is reminiscent of 90s Jackie Chan films, where anything can become a weapon. This approach offers a satisfying blend of thrills and laughs.
One scene in particular, set in a martial arts class early in the film, uses the frantic action-comedy concept to full effect. In this scene, everything and everyone becomes a tool for defending Katie, and Cena shows just how strong a comedic action actor he is. He carries on a full conversation while effortlessly taking down a room full of people, all without breaking a sweat or ripping his very tight suit. It’s ridiculous, but you know what? It works for this movie and sets the tone perfectly.
I’ve alluded to it up to now, but where Jackpot! really falters is in its world-building. The premise of this near-future lottery system is intriguing, yet the movie doesn’t delve deeply into its societal implications. There are hints at the economic struggles that led to the creation of this system, but these feel underdeveloped.
“Jackpot! isn’t breaking new ground in the action-comedy genre, but it’s a thoroughly entertaining romp that knows exactly what it wants to be.”
A bit more exploration of this alternate reality could have added some much-needed depth to the story. Additionally, with such a wild concept—much like in The Purge films—it raises questions about how this could work without massive casualties resulting from the mayhem. The film mostly glosses over this, but I can’t help wondering about the cleanup bills Los Angeles would face in the days following any lottery.
But this is a comedy, so while perplexing, it’s not a major flaw. Fortunately, the supporting cast does solid work with their limited screen time. Seann William Scott stands out for his physical presence, but unfortunately, his five minutes of screen time do little to flesh out his character or provide any backstory. Machine Gun Kelly, in a very minor role, does a great job playing off his media persona, offering a glimpse into the life of the rich in LA during this chaotic lottery world.
This film feels frantic, leaving little time to dwell on the events. At the very least, it makes good use of its Los Angeles setting, with chase sequences taking us through both recognizable landmarks and hidden corners of the city. The near-future aesthetic is subtle but effective, with just enough tweaks to our familiar world to sell the premise without overloading it with futuristic gadgetry. Honestly, Jackpot! could be set in present-day LA, and very little would need to change. Kudos to the filmmakers for hinting at the future without overwhelming the story or detracting from its core elements.
Jackpot! isn’t breaking new ground in the action-comedy genre, but it’s a thoroughly entertaining romp that knows exactly what it wants to be. The cast is fun, bringing solid chemistry, the jokes land more often than not, and there’s enough genuine tension to keep you invested in Katie’s plight. It may not be the biggest prize winner of the year, but Jackpot! is certainly worth taking a chance on for a fun night in.