Jackpot!

by Mike McGranaghan

Jackpot! is the kind of wacky high-concept comedy that used to do bang-up business in cinemas during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Studios aren’t releasing many comedies theatrically these days, which is why this latest effort from director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) is debuting on Prime Video. There’s been a long, vigorous debate about whether streaming services have a negative impact on the exhibition business. Although there are certainly reasons for concern, I’m glad we have those streamers to release films like this that are perfect for evenings when you want to crash on your couch with a little light entertainment.

The story takes place in the near future. California has established a new lottery system. Winners have to try to stay alive until sundown; anyone who kills them (via means other than firearms) gets to claim their money. Aspiring actress Katie Kim (Awkwafina) is the latest winner, having played the lottery by accident and scored a $3 billion prize. People immediately begin attacking her. That’s when Noel (John Cena) pops in. He runs a business offering protection to people just like Katie. They hastily make an agreement, and he begins the process of saving her life. Eventually, the two make their way to a bigger agency, run by Louis Lewis (Simu Liu), whose promises of supreme safety feel a bit shady.

You won’t find any deep meaning in Jackpot!. The film isn’t trying to say anything profound about greed and the dark places it can take people. It’s merely trying to entertain. That works because Rob Yescombe’s screenplay is packed with snappy dialogue and ingenious scenarios. One of the funniest scenes finds Katie and Noel attempting to hide inside the safe room at musician Machine Gun Kelly’s house. The way that sequence builds in insanity is impressive. Perhaps the biggest laugh comes from what’s easily the best needle drop of the year. Noel has a hilarious fondness for a largely forgotten movie theme song from 1990.

The two leads also keep the laugh quotient high. Awkwafina and Cena have bouncy chemistry together. They play off each other beautifully. Both go beyond what we normally expect from them, too. Awkwafina is not known for action, yet she holds her own here. Cena, of course, is known for action. Noel is not a typical macho tough guy, though. He’s sensitive and goofy, with a vulnerable side that drives his desire to help others. I hope these two make more movies together in the future.

Feig stages the fights and chases with style, making sure to always infuse them with a comedic twist. Jackpot! builds to a climax that brings most of the characters, big and small, together for an outrageous melee. Is it over the top? Of course, but that’s the whole point. From start to finish, the movie is seeking to be playful in how it melds the comedy and action genres. A fresh premise, two terrific leads, and an overall willingness to go for broke make this an enjoyable way to spend two hours.

---