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Jackpot! (2024)

 

Jackpot! is an Amazon Prime straight-to-streaming movie about a dystopian California that has a "purge" like day that involves a lottery.

Director Paul Feig has fallen so far when it comes to modern comedies. This film really tries to meet the "modern audience" but fails to deliver any laughs. His last good movie was Bridesmaids, but that was over a decade ago. The comedy is probably the fault of writer Rob Yescombe who has never had a good movie. His only "good" example of writing was the video game The Division.

John Cena gets top-bill even though he's a supporting character. For a movie with such progressive writing, you'd think Awkwafina would get paid more than John Cena. Cena has lost a lot of muscle mass as he's much leaner than I remember. His delivery of humor is also just bad and his acting seemingly has gotten worse.

Awkwafina does what she can with the material, but she's becoming typecast as the straight character who just blows up at any inconvenience. I know she has the ability to act but it seems directors just want her to fill the role. She was great in Crazy Rich Asians, but even better in The Farewell.

The film fails to deliver laughs, writing, and believable characters. The only saving grace is the stunt choreography. Result: C


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