A fresh take on action comedy: ‘Jackpot!’ delivers laughs and thrills
A new twist on the action comedy genre
The action comedy genre often finds itself stuck in a rut, relying on tired formulas and predictable wisecracks. However, ‘Jackpot!’, a new entry on Prime Video, directed by Paul Feig, aims to shake things up. Feig, known for his knack for blending humor with action, crafts stunt-intensive set-pieces where the action itself becomes a source of laughter. Imagine Awkwafina hiding among wax figures in a tacky Hollywood museum or ex-wrestler John Cena battling a room full of black belts with Awkwafina strapped to his back. These scenes are not just action-packed but also hilariously inventive.
The premise: A deadly lottery
Set in the year 2030, ‘Jackpot!’ presents a radical twist on the California lottery. The winning ticket comes with a deadly catch: the money is yours only if you can stay alive until sundown. Winners must navigate a real-life Hunger Games on the streets of Los Angeles, where their winnings double as a bounty for anyone crafty enough to kill them. This clever yet often illogical premise sets the stage for a wild ride.
Meet Katie Kim: The reluctant heroine
Awkwafina stars as Katie Kim, a former child actor who stumbles upon the winning lottery ticket. Katie’s life takes a dramatic turn when she accidentally activates the ticket, making her the most valuable person in Los Angeles. Despite her initial confusion about the lottery’s deadly rules, Katie quickly becomes the target of a greedy mob.
Enter Noel: The musclebound bodyguard
John Cena plays Noel, a freelance bodyguard who bursts onto the scene like a musclebound Kool-Aid Man. Noel is the near-future equivalent of an ambulance-chasing lawyer, and he becomes Katie’s unlikely ally. While some people want to kill Katie, Noel sees an opportunity for a 10% commission by keeping her alive. His character adds a layer of humor and action to the film, making for a dynamic duo with Awkwafina.
Hollywood satire and social commentary
‘Jackpot!’ is more than just an action comedy; it also offers a pointed satire of Hollywood and American culture’s obsession with fame and fortune. Katie, who never sought wealth or fame, finds herself thrust into the spotlight. The film cleverly critiques the lengths people will go to achieve their dreams, even if it means participating in a deadly game.
Physical comedy and improvisation
Awkwafina’s role in ‘Jackpot!’ demands a level of physical comedy she hasn’t been asked to deliver before. Despite her character’s clumsiness, Awkwafina’s performance showcases considerable skill, thanks to action choreographer James Young. Cena, with his WWE background, is no stranger to making fake fighting entertaining, and he brings his good-sport sense of humor to the role.
Paul Feig’s directorial touch
Paul Feig, who struck comedy gold with ‘Bridesmaids’, has had a mixed track record since. However, ‘Jackpot!’ finds him in his comfort zone, blending action and comedy seamlessly. The film benefits from Feig’s casting choices, thanks to casting director Allison Jones, who has a knack for discovering comedic talent. The ensemble cast, including Ayden Mayeri, Simu Liu, and Machine Gun Kelly, adds depth and humor to the film.
A film full of twists and improvisation
‘Jackpot!’ is packed with twists and turns, keeping audiences on their toes. The film relies heavily on improvisation, with the actors trying dozens of jokes and the editor selecting the best ones. This approach mirrors Katie’s survival strategy, as she must think on her feet to stay alive. The outtake-loaded end credits suggest that even funnier options were left on the cutting room floor.
Watch the trailer
For a sneak peek at the action and comedy in ‘Jackpot!’, check out the trailer.
‘Jackpot!’ is a refreshing take on the action comedy genre, blending humor, action, and social commentary. With standout performances from Awkwafina and John Cena, and Paul Feig’s directorial touch, the film offers a wild and entertaining ride. Whether you’re a fan of action, comedy, or both, ‘Jackpot!’ is a must-watch.