Jackpot! takes audiences to Los Angeles 2030 where the multibillion-dollar Grand Lottery winner has their life threatened.

It’s kind of a comedic take on The Purge. But rather than citizens having 24 hours to commit crime and get away with it, it’s only the Grand Lottery winner who becomes subjected to all sorts of threats. So much for having that once-in-a-lifetime chance of winning billions upon billions! In short, anyone killing the winner before the sun sets is able to claim the prize. Who is the poor victim? Fomer child actress Katie (Awkwafina) is back in Hollywood. Oh yeah, a drone is tracking her moves no matter where she goes. Because of this, she relies on amateur jackpot protector Noel (John Cena) and Louis Lewis (Simu Liu) to help save her life. If Katie gets through the day, she’ll share her prize money with them. But just getting through the day is easier said than done. Airbnb hosts can become an enemy in a matter of minutes.

Is it just me or does it feel like every Amazon MGM Studios project is bypassing theaters and premiering exclusively on Prime Video? I don’t get it. What is the point of acquiring a studio with iconic Hollywood history only to give up on theatrical releases? Equally frustrating is the fact that Amazon is not even using the MGM screener app for their movies premiering on Prime Video. If a studio has an app at their hands, why not take advantage of its resources? Why make it more frustrating with buffering when connecting laptop to TV via HDMI cable or casting? That’s why my review did not run on Wednesday when the review embargo lifted. I decided to wait until Friday. Alas, I only wish the film was better.

I generally like Paul Feig movies but for one reason or another, Jackpot! just did not work for me. Is it because it’s a direct-streaming movie rather than a theatrical release? Quite possibly. Ever since October 7, it’s honestly been way too much of a struggle to watch movies in my apartment. The attention span and ability to focus are just not there. If I’m being honest, it is way easier reading books right now than watching a movie. Baseball documentaries seem to be one of the rare exceptions of late with focus. That is, if I’m not rewatching something for pure escapism. I started watching this movie early enough on Friday to where my body would not start falling asleep on me so as to start prepping for Shabbos. Surely, the fact that I am watching a movie on Friday is not the reason. I hope it’s not.

Maybe I’ll revisit the film in a few movies when the skyrocketing anti-Jewish hate is not impacting my mental health and ability to focus. Because right now, it’s a real chore to get through a movie, even a Paul Feig film. And again, I generally enjoy Paul Feig films! Or maybe today is just an off-day for me. Those days are happening far too frequently since October. If anything, the end-credits gag reel offers some fun for viewers. I remember the days when those were bonus features on the physical media release.

DIRECTOR: Paul Feig
SCREENWRITER: Rob Yescombe
CAST: Awkwafina, John Cena, Ayden Mayeri, Donald Elise Watkins, Sam Asghari, Murray Hill, with Colson Baker and Simu Liu

Amazon MGM Studios released Jackpot! on August 16, 2024 on Prime Video. Grade: 3/5

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