Jackpot!

Jackpot! directed by Paul Feig, is a high-energy action-comedy that attempts to blend dark satire and slapstick humor, but ultimately falls somewhere between chaotic entertainment and missed potential. Set in a dystopian Los Angeles of the near future, the film explores a society so consumed by economic despair that it sanctions a deadly lottery in which the winner must survive 24 hours while the rest of the city hunts him down for the prize money. The concept, while intriguing, doesn't turn into the biting satire it promises to be.

Awkwafina plays Katie Kim, a former child actress who unwittingly becomes the target of this brutal lottery. Her character, despite the chaotic circumstances, remains endearing and likable, delivering the quick retorts and physical comedy that have become her trademark. John Cena plays Noel Cassidy, a freelance bodyguard who offers to protect Katie in exchange for a share of the winnings. John Cena's performance is remarkable, combining his natural comic timing with an unexpectedly sweet and sincere energy. His chemistry with Awkwafina is one of the film's highlights, providing a dynamic duo that keeps the audience invested even when the plot begins to falter.

The film's action sequences, choreographed by James Young and Alex Benevent, are inventive and frenetic, making good use of the no weapons allowed rule by introducing a variety of creative, often absurd weapons. From high-heeled shoes to mannequin heads, the film embraces its ridiculousness with a joyous abandon that is both its greatest asset and its Achilles heel. The action is relentless, but after a while it begins to repeat itself, lacking the narrative depth to sustain its 106-minute running time.

Paul Feig's direction shows flashes of genius, as in his previous works, Spy and Bridesmaids. However, Jackpot! struggles to balance its comic elements with the darker, more satirical underpinnings of its premise. The film hints at a social commentary on late capitalism and the despair it breeds, but these ideas are only hinted at before being abandoned in favor of more slapstick moments. The result is a film that lacks tonal coherence, unsure whether it wants to be an acerbic satire or a straightforward action-comedy.

Supporting actors, including Simu Liu as Louie Lewis, the lottery's protective agent, and a host of memorable cameos like Machine Gun Kelly in his own role, add spice to the film, but often feel underused. Becky Ann Baker shines in a brief but striking role, capturing the essence of a seemingly sweet character who hides a darker side, embodying the film's theme of mischief hidden beneath the surface of civility.

Rob Yescombe's screenplay, while conceptually interesting, lacks the depth and coherence to make Jackpot! a memorable satire. The dialogue is peppered with sharp retorts and moments of sincere humor, but these are often overshadowed by the sheer volume of improvised comedy that feels more like filler than substance.

Jackpot! could have been an acerbic commentary on the dangers of greed and the absurdities of a society driven by wealth and survival at all costs. Instead, it settles for being an amusing, if superficial, action-comedy that entertains in the moment but fails to leave a lasting impact. Paul Feig's film is not without merit - there are moments of outright hilarity and the actors' performances are solid - but it ultimately fails to reach the heights of its potential. In a landscape saturated with action comedies, Jackpot! is a safe bet for an evening of light entertainment, but it's unlikely to be remembered as one of Paul Feig's best efforts.

Jackpot!
Directed by Paul Feig
Written by Rob Yescombe
Produced by Joe Roth, Jeff Kirschenbaum, Paul Feig, Laura Fischer
Starring Awkwafina, John Cena, Ayden Mayeri, Donald Elise Watkins, Sam Asghari, Simu Liu
Cinematography : John Schwartzman
Edited by Brent White
Music by Theodore Shapiro
Production companies : Roth/Kirschenbaum Films, Feigco Entertainment
Distributed by Amazon MGM Studios
Release date : August 15, 2024 (United States, France)
Running time : 106 minutes

Viewed on 08 August 2024 (Prime video screener)

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