Two stuck stars try their luck in Purge-like comedy Jackpot!

In his latest film, Bridesmaids’ Paul Feig puts together a strong pairing of broken Hollywood toys.

Awkwafina and John Cena have experienced similar career funks and are merely typecast in the same role at this point.

She the memorable go-to voice in every animated project of the last 8 years, and he the dominating buff buffoon in every comedy.

There is no doubt that talent exist there - see Awkwafina’s Oacar-worthy effort in The Farewell or Cena’s scene-stealing nude bit at this year’s Oscars.

They just need the right spark.

Jackpot! may not provide that, but it’s an amusing start.

The story sees a near-future where California lottery winners must fight for their life for 24 hours to earn their winnings.

The lottery may be stolen if anyone murders the winner *without using a gun.

A struggling former child actress (Awkwafina) accidentally enrolls in the program and requires the protection of a low-level bodyguard (Cena).

It’s a little Idiocracy crossed with The Purge, and it has its bouts of fun.

Feig shoots the action comically with quirky improved lines flying as fast as the punches.

As the film hits its emotional beats toward the finish, Cena and Awkwafina show have they have reached this point with strong chemistry and capable acting from such a silly source.

Sadly, at this point in 2024, a good comedy is simply a solid 6, and this meets that quota.

Stream it on Prime Video.

6 out of 10