2024 movies Big prize! There’s John Cena, Awkwafina and some kind of apocalyptic award. This action comedy once again proves Cena’s comedic talents over the years. *If you reread the first sentence, you’ll see, yes. I am a poet and I know this.
story
In the future, California (of course California) implements a “fatal” lottery. If the public is able to kill the winner before the deadline, the killer can claim the prize. This Purge-like scene is more focused, but essentially the plot points are the same. Once the winner is declared, killing is legal.
This new jackpot “law” creates companies dedicated to helping winners receive their perks before the deadline.
Former child star Katie returns to the West Coast. After her mother’s death, she planned to restart her career. She accidentally entered the jackpot drawing and won.
Enter Noel. A lottery protector promised to keep Katie alive long enough to claim her money.
main cast
John Heenan is Noel. Earnest yet somewhat downtrodden protector.
Awkwafina is Katie. The actress tried to restart her old life, but much older.
Simu Liu is Louis Lewis. Protect the top earners in the game. A character you love to hate.
Seann William Scott is “a rough guy.” The first grand prize winner in a movie. He couldn’t hold on much longer.
behind the scenes
Filmed by director Paul Feig and screenwriter Rob Yescom Big prize! and run with it. This is clearly not Shakespeare, and the material doesn’t take itself seriously at all. British author Jescombe is engaged in a wide-ranging effort to delight in American greed. Feige repeatedly slaps the audience in the face with characters that no one really understands.
Awkwafina is equally funny as Katie. My only complaint with her is that she sounds like Natasha Lyonne. John Cena is the standout here. He manages to give Noel surprising depth. That’s no easy feat when you’re in a movie filled with two-dimensional characters who exist in a two-dimensional world.
judgment
Big prize! Earned a solid 3.5 stars. This is clearly not an endeavor that will make you think. However, it will make you happy. If you’re a fan of Cena, or a fan of Awkwafina, that’s enough fun. It’s just not deep. The movie is currently streaming on Prime.
trailer
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