I watched Jackpot! and I liked it. 3.5/5
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Jackpot! is the latest addition to Paul Feig’s lineup of action-comedies, and it’s exactly what you’d expect: loud, over-the-top, and a whole lot of fun. This Amazon Studios production brings together a star-studded cast and a wildly imaginative premise that throws former child star Katie Kim (Awkwafina) into a bloodthirsty lottery game set in a near-future California. With an all-too-real message about our obsession with fame, fortune, and reality TV spectacle, Jackpot! is an action-packed satire that doesn’t hold back, even if it doesn’t always hit its mark.
Set in 2030, Jackpot! introduces us to a financially strapped California where the government has created the “Grand Lottery”—a deadly game in which one lucky winner walks away with a massive jackpot, but only if they can survive the entire day. Anyone with a losing ticket can legally kill the winner to claim the prize, with the caveat that no one may use guns. Awkwafina’s Katie unknowingly wins the Lottery, instantly painting a target on her back. As murderous “fans” flood the streets in pursuit of their payday, Katie has no choice but to team up with Noel Cassidy (John Cena), a musclebound freelance protection agent who specializes in saving Grand Lottery winners—for a cut of the winnings, of course.
The premise alone is an absolute blast, with echoes of The Purge and Running Man, though it leans hard into comedy and absurdity rather than horror. Katie’s plight is made even more chaotic as she tries to navigate her fame-hungry roommate Shadi (Ayden Mayeri) and her boyfriend DJ (Donald Elise Watkins), who each have their own designs on Katie’s winnings. The ensemble cast is strong, and while they’re all funny in their own ways, it’s Awkwafina and Cena who make the movie what it is. Awkwafina brings her usual quick wit and sarcasm to the role, and Katie’s clueless yet determined energy perfectly matches the absurdity of her situation. Her chemistry with Cena is surprisingly great, with Cena delivering a stoic, deadpan performance that perfectly counters Awkwafina’s wild reactions.
The action sequences are some of the best parts of Jackpot! Feig’s direction keeps the chaos engaging without becoming overwhelming, and the decision to ban guns forces Noel and Katie into creative and often hilarious close-quarters combat scenarios. From street chases with a busload of crazed tourists to a tense showdown in Colson Baker’s mansion (yes, Machine Gun Kelly plays himself), the film is packed with inventive set pieces. It’s refreshing to see an action-comedy that’s not afraid to go big with its stunts, but it’s equally willing to poke fun at its own absurdity.
The satire, however, is where Jackpot! stumbles. The film has a lot to say about our society’s obsession with wealth, fame, and reality TV, but it rarely digs deep into any one theme. The lottery game itself, which forces ordinary people to act out their most violent impulses for a chance at fortune, has obvious potential for commentary, but the script only scratches the surface. The movie is so focused on keeping the action moving that it leaves little room for any real exploration of the characters’ motivations or the implications of the lottery. It’s a fun, flashy ride, but one that feels slightly hollow when it comes to delivering a message.
The pacing, too, is hit-or-miss. Jackpot! moves at breakneck speed, which works well in action scenes but leaves the quieter moments feeling rushed. Katie and Noel’s developing camaraderie is fun to watch, and it’s hinted that Noel’s own tragic past with his protection team is what drives him to help Katie. However, the movie never gives us much chance to explore these backstories. Noel’s rivalry with his old partner Louis Lewis (Simu Liu) could have added an emotional layer, but instead, Louis serves mainly as a villain in the third act. Liu is clearly having fun in the role, and his scenes with Cena are entertaining, but his motivations remain frustratingly shallow.
The movie’s climax offers a showdown filled with Feig’s trademark blend of comedy and chaos, bringing Katie and Noel face-to-face with Louis in an abandoned theater. Katie’s attempts to outsmart her enemies by threatening to sacrifice her own life forfeit the prize, leading to a chaotic brawl that ends with Louis taking himself out thanks to his own grenades. The ending, though predictable, is satisfying, as Katie wins the jackpot while making a crowd of “real” fans who support her even after her ordeal. It’s a satisfying, if safe, conclusion to a story that thrives on satire and spectacle.
Despite its flaws, Jackpot! is undeniably fun and surprisingly heartfelt. Awkwafina and Cena shine as unlikely partners, and while the film’s social satire may be more skin-deep than substantial, the movie never loses its sense of humor. The mid-credits scene shows Katie and Noel using their winnings to open a protection agency that guards future Lottery winners, poking fun at their newfound wealth even as they embrace it. And with Shadi, DJ, and even Machine Gun Kelly finding their own quirky endings, Jackpot! delivers a playful finale.
If you’re looking for an action-comedy that’s big on laughs, wild set pieces, and a satirical spin on fame and fortune, Jackpot! is worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to dig too deep—it’s a glossy, fast-paced thrill ride with plenty of humor and charm, even if it’s a little light on substance.