JACKPOT! TRAILER 1

In near-future Los Angeles, a struggling actress accidentally claims a multi-billion dollar jackpot. Now the entire city is out to kill her.

Katie Kim (Awkwafina) is a struggling actress bouncing around auditions in Los Angeles. However, one day, she accidentally finds a futuristic lottery ticket. Soon, everyone around her begins attempting to kill her.

Katie is saved by mysterious stranger Noel (John Cena), who explains: the multi-billion dollar “Jackpot!” can only be claimed by killing the current owner. Which the entire state has deemed legal. Now, the entire city is targeting Katie until sundown. Noel, an amateur lottery protection agent, offers his services in exchange for a piece of the winnings.

Now, this unlikely duo must use every tool at their disposal to fight through an army of Los Angeles’ craziest thugs, all hungry for their chance to make it big.

Based on the 1^st trailer, your enjoyment on this film will be a direct correlation to your enjoyment of 1) Awkwafina, and 2) high-budget slapstick. I, luckily, enjoy both and found this trailer to be a wild delight. Coasting on the electric chemistry of its two lead stars and stylishly shot action, Jackpot! is well-aware of its B-movie premise and isn’t attempting to be anything more.

Which, strangely enough, makes it feel more authentic. Comedy visionary Paul Feig has often been lambasted for compensating a subpar screenplay with comedic actors riffing, but in this case, his commitment to producing solid pulpy action lends the film a sense of identity. Feig is an underrated genius in mining pathos from absurd premises, which is evident from the glimpses of Jackpot! we’ve seen thus far. Despite star Awkwafina being comfortably in her motor-mouthed wheelhouse, her comedic shtick feels somehow far more down-to-earth and relatable than it does in her other films.

Directed by Paul Feig, Jackpot! will be released on Prime Video on August 15, 2024. The movie stars Awkwafina, John Cena and Simu Liu.