Jackpot!

2024 - 8 - 15

From Jackpot to Jabberwocky: When Comedy Goes Awry! 🎬😂

action comedy - Amazon Prime Video - Awkwafina - Jackie Chan influences - Jackpot movie - John Cena - movie reviews - Paul Feig

Can Awkwafina and John Cena save ‘Jackpot!’ from its own script mishaps? Dive into the hilariously chaotic world of Amazon’s latest comedy disaster!

When you hear star power such as Awkwafina and John Cena coming together in a film directed by the renowned Paul Feig, expectations soar high. Their latest venture, ‘Jackpot!,’ is being promoted as an action-comedy featuring a futuristic twist. However, critics seem to agree that while the film tries to tickle your funny bone, it simultaneously trips over its own narrative flaws. Entertainment value aside, ‘Jackpot!’ feels like it’s got a chip on its shoulder, taking aim at its audience just as much as its flawed characters.

Set in a near-future world inspired by martial arts legend Jackie Chan, the film’s premise revolves around Katie Kim (played by Awkwafina), who finds herself unexpectedly cast in the drama of a lottery protector. Enter John Cena, the aforementioned protector, who's portrayed as her unlikely ally amidst chaos. Sounds fun, right? Unfortunately, while Cena’s action prowess and Awkwafina’s comedic flair attempt to shine, they can't redeem a script that critics have labeled shoddy and riddled with tropes from yesteryears.

Evidently, the chemistry between the two stars is what keeps the audience somewhat entertained. Cena’s aspirations to blend humor with high-octane action in a Jackie Chan-style flick may have been noble, but the execution leaves a ‘meh’ taste. The film seems to mock not only its characters but also the audience that buys a ticket, coining it as a ridiculous romp littered with predictable gags and boring clichés. Instead of unleashing laughter, it often feels like a chore.

In a world saturated with content, perhaps ‘Jackpot!’ serves as a cautionary tale. Just because certain components could resonate well, doesn’t mean they’ll culminate into a cinematic masterpiece. As audiences continue searching for the next great comedy, one might think it wise to check reviews before vaulting into the unknown.

Fun Fact: Did you know Paul Feig has also directed the famous comedy ‘Bridesmaids’? It’s no wonder audiences expect a similar touch of brilliance— and yet, 'Jackpot!' showcases the stark difference between past hits and today’s critical receptions. Also, while John Cena channels his inner Jackie Chan, remember that Chan's mastery lies in combining choreography with comedy, a skill that might be just out of reach for this ‘Jackpot’ crew!

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Image courtesy of "Vulture"

Review: 'Jackpot!' Hates Its Characters and Its Audience (Vulture)

The new Amazon Prime movie 'Jackpot!,' directed by Paul Feig and starring Awkwafina and John Cena, hates its audience almost as much as it hates its ...

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Image courtesy of "Variety"

'Jackpot!' Review: Awkwafina and John Cena Make a Winning Combo (Variety)

'Bridesmaids' director Paul Feig directs the rare action comedy where the action is actually comedic, but can't fix the film's bigger script problems.

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Image courtesy of "Marianas Variety"

'Jackpot' movie inspired by martial arts icon Jackie Chan (Marianas Variety)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) — For director Paul Feig, the comedy film “Jackpot” is what he calls “the Lost Jackie Chan movie,” referring to the work of the famous ...

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

'Jackpot!' Review: Awkwafina and John Cena Star in Near-Future ... (The New York Times)

When you purchase a ticket for an independently reviewed film through our site, we earn an affiliate commission. In the ...

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Image courtesy of "TheWrap"

'Jackpot!' Cast & Character Guide: Who Plays Who in Amazon's ... (TheWrap)

OK, technically, she's trusting Noel — he's just played by Cena. Now streaming on Prime Video, Paul Feig's latest film centers on Katie Kim (Awkwafina), who ...

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Image courtesy of "Empire"

Jackpot! (Empire)

When former child actor Katie (Awkwafina) unwittingly becomes the latest candidate, “lottery protector” Noel (John Cena) proves to be her only ally.

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Image courtesy of "UPI.com"

John Cena: Jackie Chan the standard for 'Jackpot!' action comedy ... (UPI.com)

John Cena discusses his new movie "Jackpot," on Prime Video Thursday, in which he hopes to blend action and comedy as well as Jackie Chan.

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Image courtesy of "The Hindu"

'Jackpot!' movie review: Awkwafina's winning ticket to nowhere is a ... (The Hindu)

'Jackpot!' movie review: Awkwafina, John Cena comedy is a tax on the stupid. Paul Feig's Prime Video venture is a shoddy affair from start to finish, cobbled ...

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Image courtesy of "Roger Ebert"

Jackpot! movie review & film summary (2024) | Roger Ebert (Roger Ebert)

A trashy and repetitive action comedy about greed and bloodlust, set in a world full of people who are proud to be awful.

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Image courtesy of "Chicago Tribune"

'Jackpot' review: In the near future, John Cena and Awkwafina are ... (Chicago Tribune)

The stars of Prime Video's streaming feature "Jackpot" share the comic gift of simultaneous, enjoyable over- and under-playing. It helps.

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Image courtesy of "The Seattle Times"

Review: This Awkwafina-John Cena comedy doesn't quite hit the ... (The Seattle Times)

Awkwafina and John Cena, who gamely tolerate everything this movie throws at them, deserve better than Prime Video's "Jackpot!" writes Moira Macdonald.

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

John Cena talks new action comedy "Jackpot!" and retirement from ... (CBS News)

John Cena stars alongside Awkwafina in the new comedy action film "Jackpot!" on Amazon Prime. As he announces his retirement from WWE after over two decades ...

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Image courtesy of "TheWrap"

'Jackpot!' Director Paul Feig and Stars Break Down How That MGK ... (TheWrap)

Paul Feig, John Cena and Awkwafina tell TheWrap what it was like working with Colson Baker – aka Machine Gun Kelly – on "Jackpot!"

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

Jackpot! review: John Cena's new killer Lotto comedy is not a winner ... (New Zealand Herald)

Jackpot! has a great premise and big stars but ends up a dud. The new action-comedy Jackpot! has all the right numbers to be a winner. It's got a killer...

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Image courtesy of "Forbes"

Awkwafina And Paul Feig Talk The Wild Originality Of 'Jackpot!' (Forbes)

'Jackpot!' star Awkwafina and director Paul Feig discuss their work on the new action comedy, which also stars John Cena and Simi Liu.

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Image courtesy of "Billboard"

John Cena & Awkwafina Star in 'Jackpot': How to Watch the Comedy ... (Billboard)

John Cena and Awkwafina team up in the new comedy movie titled "Jackpot" and you can learn how to stream the movie online at home for free here.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Jackpot! to Men: the seven best films to watch on TV this week (The Guardian)

A fun new action comedy starring Awkwafina and John Cena, and Jessie Buckley and Rory Kinnear are creepily effective in Alex Garland's astonishing horror.

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Image courtesy of "Screen Rant"

Jackpot Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When They Play (Screen Rant)

"California Girls" by The Beach Boys sets the scene for California Grand Lottery rules in Jackpot! · Awkwafina and John Cena lead the cast in an action-packed ...

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Image courtesy of "Marin Independent Journal"

Review: Awkwafina is great but can't save muddled 'Jackpot!' (Marin Independent Journal)

In a near-future California, buying a lottery ticket enters you a chance to win billions. But there's a catch. Everyone else is free to try to kill the ...

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Image courtesy of "Tiffin Advertiser Tribune"

'Jackpot!' (Tiffin Advertiser Tribune)

In a near-future California, buying a lottery ticket enters you a chance to win billions. But there's a catch. Everyone else is free to try to kill the winner ...

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Image courtesy of "WWD"

Ayden Mayeri Strikes Comedy Gold This Summer (WWD)

Actress Ayden Mayeri stars in Steph Curry mockumentary series "Mr. Throwback" and the Paul Feig directed film "Jackpot."

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