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The Prime Video Movie Jackpot! was a pleasant surprise as it was something that I could actually watch in a movie theater. There are massive action sequences, hilarious comedy and a cast with crackling chemistry.
John Cena and Awkwafina make a great comedic duo in Jackpot! and act up a storm while cracking wise and kicking a$$.
The Plot
After the "Great Depression" of 2026, Los Angeles institutes a dystopian system where a lottery awards a winner with a lot of money. The catch? anyone who kills the winner (without guns) gets to keep the money, legally. Considering that we are heading towards a recession around the same 2026 date, this plot point is interesting, to say the least.
When a former actor Katie played by Awkwafina wins the lottery while she is on an audition, she ends up fighting for more than a role - her life. While trying to survive, she meets an aspiring bodyguard Noel played by John Cena who offers up his services to keep her safe.
The entire movie revolves around Katie trying to stay alive while struggling to trust the only person who hasn't tried to kill her yet. The subtext of the plot is our dog-eat-dog society that hasn't changed much since civilization, and what it is turning into.
The Cast of Jackpot! Prime Video Movie
This role is basically a walk in the park for Awkwafina as a quirky actor (meta right? ) trying to get back on her feet, but regardless her performance is brilliant making this movie a fun watch. Nora Lum or Awkwafina seems to have had a little bit of a glow-up.
John Cena as Noel is his usual hilarious self in this movie and if you have seen DC's Peacemaker then you know how funny he can be! He uses his trademark comedic timing to bring something extra to this otherwise vanilla role.
Ayden Mayeri as Shadi, Katie's sub-letting landlady is someone I'm watching for the first time in anything I've seen, and she's really good. She plays a low-key scammer who catfishes Katie with her terrible apartment. Ayden's stage-fighting is really cool and contrasts well with the facade of calmness she puts on - making it all the more funny.
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Simu Liu as Louis Lewis plays the head of a sketchy protection agency that is looking to support Katie in her efforts to survive. Liu got his break in Kim's Convenience after which his career took off with a role in Shang Chi: The Legend of the Ten Rings. His best acting was in Kim's Convenience and the action sequences in the Marvel movie. Hope he takes on more meaningful roles in the future.
You do get a couple of cameos such as Seann William Scott and Leslie David Baker who add a lot to the film.
Machine Gun Kelly plays a fictionalized version of himself in this movie. He is shown to be a flaky musician who is not worried about much, except the real estate for his next tattoo.
Action Sequences
What can you expect in an action comedy? - plenty of action sequences! The whole movie can be divided into three or four action sequences with islands of calm that are meant for exposition.
The fights are well-choreographed and peppered with comedic lines written for a lot of laughs. There are great practical effects and CGI that have been utilized well with just a smidge of sci-fi concepts to augment the storyline.
Should You Watch It? Yes!
This movie is purely for entertainment without much hope of a sequel, prequel, or any franchise opportunities. But it is light, fun, and a good movie not just by OTT standards but something that is even worth even watching in the theater.
