In the realm of filmmaking, one of the most compelling ways to anchor a story is through a unique narrative hook. This technique piques curiosity and leaves audiences eager for answers. Today, we delve into an intriguing premise: what if the government sanctioned a state-wide Hunger Games-like event, but participation was entirely voluntary? A strong premise like this naturally raises questions that demand exploration, and that’s precisely what we’ll do here.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression of 2026, governments were scrambling for revenue. Enter The California Grand Lottery©—a game where the jackpot is yours if you can survive until sundown. However, until then, you’re fair game to anyone who decides to take you out, claiming the winnings for themselves. The only rule? No guns allowed. Fast forward to Los Angeles in 2030, where a recent lottery winner is killed by an elderly woman. As the jackpot soars to an astronomical $3.6 billion, former child star Katie (played by Awkwafina) makes her way back to town on Lottery Day, eager to reignite her once-bright career. But when Katie unintentionally claims a winning ticket, the entire city turns against her—everyone except for Noel (John Cena), who’s protecting her, albeit for his own financial gain.

The film’s strength lies in its stellar casting, particularly with its two leads. John Cena and Awkwafina have their share of critics, but I’ve always appreciated their energy and dedication to their roles. Under the direction of Paul Feig, who has a knack for getting the best out of comedic actors, their performances shine. The playful banter between them is infectious, avoiding the pitfalls of being overly cliché. Simu Liu also delivers a standout performance as a convincingly sleazy character.