For our movie of the week, we dive into the chaotic world of “Jackpot,” a dystopian action-comedy set in 2030 Los Angeles. And yes this movie is wild as it sounds: The California Grand Lottery, created in response to the economic downturn of 2026, offers a life-changing billion-dollar prize.
But there’s a deadly catch—if you win, you have to survive until sunset, with everyone around you legally allowed to hunt you down for the prize. The only rule? No guns allowed.
Awkwafina stars as Katie, a struggling actress who inadvertently becomes the latest lottery winner. Instead of celebrating her newfound fortune, Katie finds herself in a desperate fight for survival as the entire city of Los Angeles turns against her. Enter John Cena as Noel, a down-on-his-luck bodyguard who strikes a deal with Katie: he’ll help keep her alive until sundown in exchange for a 10% cut of her winnings. Reluctantly, Katie agrees, setting off a chain of events filled with over-the-top action and suspense.
As Katie and Noel navigate the treacherous streets of L.A., they encounter a host of bizarre and dangerous characters, including Simu Liu, who plays the cunning head of the Lottery Protection Agency, and Machine Gun Kelly and Dolly de Leon in memorable cameo roles. Despite its high-energy premise and star-studded cast, “Jackpot” struggles to balance its action and comedy elements, with some of its elaborate gags falling flat.
Directed with a frenetic pace, “Jackpot” is a chaotic ride through a not-so-distant future where survival comes at a high cost. While the movie offers plenty of thrills and a unique storyline, it doesn’t quite hit the mark in delivering consistent laughs or emotional depth. Nonetheless, “Jackpot” is an entertaining watch for those who enjoy dystopian thrillers with a darkly comedic twist.
The movie is now streaming on Prime Video, peep the trailer below:
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