Jackpot! review: "John Cena is a joy to watch but his latest isn't quite on the money"

From Bridesmaids to Spy to 2016’s Ghostbusters, Paul Feig’s movies always promise a good dose of fun and to not take themselves too seriously. His latest, Jackpot!, is no exception, offering over-the-top action and one-liners galore, all with tongue firmly planted in cheek. 

In the film’s 2030 LA, things look much as they do today - except that it’s legal to murder the winner of the city’s Grand Lottery in order to steal their prize before sundown. Played by Awkwafina (Jumanji: The Next Level, Quiz Lady), aspiring actor Katie Kim arrives in town wanting to turn her life around, and has no idea what she’s in for when she finds herself in possession of the winning ticket.

Feig takes a while to fulfil the promise of chaotic action, but things accelerate when John Cena’s Noel arrives, crashing through the ceiling. Like a lethal golden retriever modelling himself on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Noel vows to protect Katie in return for 10% of her prize money. And off the duo head, on the run, and with Cena beating up everyone in sight - in quite unexpected ways.

He’s the film’s highlight, while Awkwafina is as likeable as ever. But Jackpot! falters when it tries to delve too deeply into its characters - by the second half, the energy is flagging. A brief cameo from Machine Gun Kelly doesn’t help, nor does giving Simu Liu (reteaming with Awkwafina after Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) little to do. Although he does nail the ‘Bond villain’ look, no question

Jackpot! streams on Prime Video from August 15. 

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