‘Jackpot’ Movie Inspired by Martial Arts Icon Jackie Chan 

(L-R) Canadian actor Sim Liu, US actress, comedian, rapper Awkwafina, US director Paul Feig, and US actor and wrestler John Cena arrive at the premiere of "Jackpot" at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California, USA, 13 August 2024. (EPA) 
(L-R) Canadian actor Sim Liu, US actress, comedian, rapper Awkwafina, US director Paul Feig, and US actor and wrestler John Cena arrive at the premiere of "Jackpot" at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California, USA, 13 August 2024. (EPA) 
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‘Jackpot’ Movie Inspired by Martial Arts Icon Jackie Chan 

(L-R) Canadian actor Sim Liu, US actress, comedian, rapper Awkwafina, US director Paul Feig, and US actor and wrestler John Cena arrive at the premiere of "Jackpot" at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California, USA, 13 August 2024. (EPA) 
(L-R) Canadian actor Sim Liu, US actress, comedian, rapper Awkwafina, US director Paul Feig, and US actor and wrestler John Cena arrive at the premiere of "Jackpot" at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California, USA, 13 August 2024. (EPA) 

For director Paul Feig, the comedy film "Jackpot" is what he calls "the Lost Jackie Chan movie," referring to the work of the famous Hong Kong actor and martial artist.

"His (Jackie Chan’s) characters are always classically somebody who didn't want to be in the situation, in over their head, trying to get out of it, not being aggressive, just trying to fight their way out of something," said Feig.

"And that just checked every box for me. And his movies are really funny too, but they also have danger and art. So, there it was," he added.

"Jackpot" is an Amazon MGM Studios action-comedy starring Awkwafina and John Cena as their characters Katie and Noel work together in a dystopian Los Angeles where a "Grand Lottery" winner can be legally murdered before sundown by someone wishing to claim their multibillion-dollar jackpot.

The movie arrives in US theaters on Thursday.

One thing that helped bring the action-packed story to life was Cena, who is also a wrestler, being able to do some of his own stunts.

"I'm not taking anything away from our stunt team or my tremendously talented double, Spencer Thomas, but the action in 'Jackpot' was a lot of the skills that I can offer a coordinator," Cena told Reuters.

"This one was throwing big haymakers and tossing people around, and a lot of the stuff I do on WWE as well as a lot of stunt driving, which I love driving, too," "The Suicide Squad" actor added.

While his previous experience came in handy when filming "Jackpot," there was no time for Cena to bond with co-lead Awkwafina before they began shooting.

"We did not have time to build rapport before filming, but we actually ended up building great rapport while we filmed," Cena said.

Similarly, Awkwafina found that getting to know Cena while creating the movie was fulfilling.

"I loved working with John Cena. He's really one of the most professional guys I've ever worked with," the "Crazy Rich Asians" actor said.



Jennifer Lopez Slays TIFF Red Carpet as She Unveils 'Unstoppable'

Actor and singer Jennifer Lopez arrives for the screening of the movie ‘Unstoppable’ during the 49th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), in Toronto, Canada, 06 September 2024. EPA/EDUARDO LIMA
Actor and singer Jennifer Lopez arrives for the screening of the movie ‘Unstoppable’ during the 49th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), in Toronto, Canada, 06 September 2024. EPA/EDUARDO LIMA
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Jennifer Lopez Slays TIFF Red Carpet as She Unveils 'Unstoppable'

Actor and singer Jennifer Lopez arrives for the screening of the movie ‘Unstoppable’ during the 49th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), in Toronto, Canada, 06 September 2024. EPA/EDUARDO LIMA
Actor and singer Jennifer Lopez arrives for the screening of the movie ‘Unstoppable’ during the 49th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), in Toronto, Canada, 06 September 2024. EPA/EDUARDO LIMA

Jennifer Lopez infused the Toronto film festival with a dose of A-list glamor Friday at the world premiere of her new movie, true-story sports drama "Unstoppable," which earned a rousing ovation.
The 55-year-old actress, singer and dancer was making her first red carpet appearance since the announcement of her divorce from Ben Affleck, who co-produced the film with best friend Matt Damon but was not in attendance.
And she did not disappoint, wearing a skin-baring metallic silver gown with seemingly nothing but giant black velvet bows holding it together, her hair long and loose. Sky-high silver platform heels finished the look.
In "Unstoppable," Lopez plays Judy, the mother of high school wrestler Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome) who, though born with only one leg, doggedly pursued -- and achieved -- his dream of becoming a US university champion.
Oscar nominee Don Cheadle and Michael Pena play his demanding coaches, and Bobby Cannavale plays his abusive stepfather, who repeatedly puts the family in jeopardy.
"Unstoppable" tells Robles's inspiring story while also delving into the difficulties of his family life, and showcasing his close relationship with his mother.
The film had several applause moments in the buildup to Robles's winning run to a college championship for Arizona State University. Then, as the credits rolled, Robles himself, in the theater, earned a standing ovation from the crowd at Roy Thomson Hall.
"When I read the script, I felt like so many women, including myself, could relate to the struggles that she had gone through in her life," Lopez said in a question-and-answer session after the screening.
"This story being a Latino story, being so inspiring -- it was just something that kind of grabbed me."
Jerome said he trained for five months, including with Robles on the wrestling mat.
"As an actor, it is one of the most daunting tasks to portray somebody that is real," he said.
"Unstoppable" was one of the marquee events of day two at the Toronto International Film Festival, the largest in North America, which offers a mix of Oscar-bait movies, feel-good family fare and searing documentaries.
This year marks a return to normal for the event, after twin strikes by actors and writers kept top talent from promoting their work here last year.
Lopez is just one of the major stars visiting Canada's biggest city for the festival.
Ben Stiller, Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry hit the red carpet on Thursday night. Also expected are Angelina Jolie, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Salma Hayek, Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman.
'The Last Showgirl'
Earlier, Gia Coppola debuted her latest effort behind the camera, "The Last Showgirl," starring Pamela Anderson as veteran Vegas performer Shelley, who is left in despair when her show is abruptly canceled.
After a 30-year run dancing half-naked in sequins and high heels in a traditional Sin City show, Shelley must figure out what the future holds.
Coppola -- the granddaughter of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola -- goes beyond the bright lights of America's favorite gambling playground to show the harsh realities of the entertainment industry and what happens to those it discards, especially women.
"I think I’ve been getting ready my whole life for this role," Anderson told the audience after the screening.
The "Baywatch" actress quipped that it was the first time she'd been offered a script that was "coherent."
Jamie Lee Curtis teared up as she spoke about the film. She plays Annette, a onetime dancer and Shelley's best friend who ends up waitressing to make ends meet -- and frittering away her hard-won earnings on bets.
"It's a movie about dreams and going after your dreams," only to discover they may never be realized, said the Oscar winner.