In the near future of Jackpot!, California is set to host a groundbreaking event known as the “Grand Lottery”. Unlike traditional lotteries where winners simply receive a monetary prize, this unique twist adds a thrilling and dangerous element to the stakes. Upon winning, the fortunate individual is awarded a substantial sum of money. The catch? If the winner is killed before the deadline, the killer wins the multi-billion dollar jackpot. This creates a high-stakes game of life and death.

Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians) stars as the clueless winner, Katie. Katie has just moved to Los Angeles and finds herself running for her life with no idea why. This is where she meets Noel (John Cena) who owns a business that keeps the winners alive for a small fee of their winnings. As the stakes escalate, Noel enlists the help of a company led by Simu Liu (Shang Chi). Amidst the unfolding chaos, Katie and Noel must navigate a treacherous path together, discovering that appearances can be deceiving as they fight for survival against all odds.

JACKPOT! STRUGGLES

As absurd and potentially amusing as the premise may be, Jackpot! struggles to find its footing. It comes across as a continuous string of jokes that fail to land. I found myself constantly comparing it to a buddy version of The Purge. Which isn’t a good combination.

However, the true brilliance of the movie lies in the performances of Awkwafina and Cena, who bring a sense of authenticity to the film through their portrayal of their characters, their relationship dynamics, and their respective backstories. When the narrative delves into their bonding moments, both actors excel in conveying genuine emotion, infusing their roles with depth and nuance. This emotional depth adds a layer of complexity to a film that predominantly leans on humor, rather than a robust screenplay, showcasing the actors’ ability to balance comedic elements with heartfelt sincerity. It is these instances that render the remainder of the film exceedingly exasperating. There is a wealth of potential that regrettably goes untapped.

Jackpot! will stream on Prime Video, on August 15, 2024!

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