Jackpot is an entertaining thrill ride that takes a darkly comedic twist on the concept of winning the lottery, with deadly stakes attached. Set shortly, specifically 2030, the movie plunges us into a dystopian version of Los Angeles where the Grand Lottery offers one lucky person the chance to win a life-changing sum of money. But there’s a sinister catch: to claim the prize, the winner must survive until sundown while being hunted by every other resident in the city who’s eager to take the prize for themselves.
The movie opens with a tense and brutal scene, showing last year’s lottery winner desperately trying to evade a bloodthirsty mob, only to meet his end most unexpectedly. This sets the tone for the film as we shift to our protagonist, Katie Kim, played by the ever-charming Awkwafina. Katie is a fresh face in LA, an aspiring actress who has no idea about the brutal lottery system until she finds herself as the latest target.
Her initial disbelief quickly turns into a fight for survival as she’s pursued by everyone from yoga enthusiasts to martial artists. The situation seems hopeless until she meets Noel, portrayed by John Cena, a freelance protector of lottery winners who offers to keep her safe—for a 10% cut of the winnings, of course. Their partnership is the heart of the movie, providing both the action and the comedy that keeps us engaged. Cena and Awkwafina have great on-screen chemistry, with their banter providing much-needed levity amidst the chaos.
The movie shines in its first half, delivering fast-paced action sequences, clever humor, and a fresh take on the battle royale genre. The fight scenes are well choreographed, albeit with some moments that stretch believability—like characters being flung across rooms in ways that defy physics. But given the film’s cartoonish tone, these exaggerations are easy to forgive.
However, the movie stumbles a bit in its second half. The introduction of Lewis, played by Simu Liu, who runs an official lottery protection agency, adds a layer of intrigue but also slows down the narrative. The film attempts to deepen its characters by exploring their backstories, but this shift in tone feels slightly out of place in what is otherwise a light-hearted action-comedy. The final act brings the film back on track with a chaotic and explosive climax, ensuring that the film ends on a high note.
In the end, Jackpot is an enjoyable movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the kind of film that’s perfect for a night in when you’re in the mood for some mindless, adrenaline-fueled fun. I’d rate it a solid 3.5 out of 5. While it has its flaws, the film’s humor, action, and strong performances make it worth a watch.
