Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Crass language, nonstop violence in far-fetched comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Jackpot!
What's the Story?
Katie Kim (Awkwafina) is an aspiring actress who has just moved to Los Angeles following the death of her mother at the start of JACKPOT! Things aren't going well for her, and they quickly get worse when she wins the lottery. She discovers she's now the target of a scheme launched in California where anyone who kills the lottery winner within the day gets to claim their jackpot winnings. For-hire security guard Noel (John Cena) offers to protect her for a percentage of her earnings, and the two set out to survive the day. When things go south, Noel will have to call in his nemesis, Louis (Simu Liu), to provide backup support.
Is It Any Good?
If you don't mind sitting through nearly two hours of mind-numbing violence for the occasional laugh, come on in. If you're seeking a worthwhile story or more use of excellent character actors and comedians like Awkwafina, Cena, or Sim, Jackpot! is not for you. They -- and viewers -- deserve better. Cena plays to nice-guy type, and there are some goofy cameos, but of course there's very little suspense in how this predictable film will be resolved. The action is well-choreographed and some one-liners, particularly digs about LA, do land. Otherwise, you're not missing much.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the concept for Jackpot! Can you imagine a scenario in the future where people would participate in a scheme like this one? Why or why not?
What do Katie and Noel each learn from their time together? How does each grow personally from the experience?
What comedians did you recognize in cameos in this film?
What parts did you find funny? What parts didn't work?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 15, 2024
- Cast : John Cena , Awkwafina , Simu Liu
- Director : Paul Feig
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Prime Video
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive language, violence, and sexual references
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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