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Writer's pictureJustin Whippo

Jackpot! (2024)

Updated: Sep 29

My quick rating - 6.0/10. This flick surprised me,  taking place in a twisted future where a "Grand Lottery" offers a multi-billion dollar prize, but with one deadly stipulation—kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their jackpot. Enter Katie Kim, played by Awkwafina, who accidentally wins the lottery. Her survival depends on Noel Cassidy, a bumbling lottery protection agent played by John Cena, who strikes a deal to protect her in exchange for a cut of the fortune. The premise oozes dark humor, blending elements of action, satire, and chase-style adventure. Cena delivers once again with his trademark self-deprecating humor, poking fun at his own macho image. His chemistry with Awkwafina works well, balancing her transformation from an unwitting victim into an unexpected hero. Awkwafina’s performance as the clueless Katie, who reluctantly steps into the role of a fighter, adds a relatable touch of humor and heart to the film. While the concept is ripe for over-the-top violence, it keeps the tone dialed back, steering away from the more brutal feel of something like Death Race 2000. Instead, it leans into a lighter dark comedy, balancing the grim reality of the plot with a quirky, almost absurd tone. The film doesn't take itself too seriously, and that works in its favor. However, the narrative can feel a bit shallow at times, and while the humor is solid, the plot is pretty predictable. The dark humor doesn't fully explore the dystopian potential of the setting, keeping things too lighthearted for the premise. Still, if you're looking for an easy-to-watch action comedy with solid performances from Cena and Awkwafina, this flick delivers just enough entertainment to keep your interest. It worked for me.

This one is currently streaming on Amazon for Prime members.

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