Jackpot (2001)

User Rating:

5.8/10   

Director:

Michael Polish

Writers (WGA):

Mark Polish (written by) &
Michael Polish (written by)

Genre:

Drama | Comedy

Plot:

Sunny Holiday, an aspiring singing star, abandons his wife and young baby to set off on a nine-month tour of bleak western towns...

Plot Keywords:

Manager | Deadbeat Dad | Music Tour | Country Music | Traveling Salesman

Awards:

2 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Jon Gries	...	Sunny Holiday / Glen Allen Johnson
Daryl Hannah	...	Bobbi
Garrett Morris	...	Lester Irving
Patrick Bauchau	...	Santa Claus / Voice of Sevon
Adam Baldwin	...	Mel James
Rosie O'Grady	...	Sweet Dreams
Larry W. Hunter	...	Mini Mart Clerk
Peggy Lipton	...	Janice
Suzanne Krull	...	Sneezy Waitress
Dig Wayne	...	Never My Love
Mac Davis	...	Sammy Bones
Larry Pennell	...	Truck Driver
Toni Oswald	...	Truck Stop Waitress
Crystal Bernard	...	Cheryl
Tia Matza	...	Vicky

MPAA:

Rated R for language and sexuality.

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:MA | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles County, California, USA

Company:

Polish Brothers Construction

Trivia:

In one of the karaoke bar scenes, when Garrett Morris' character is bargaining with the guy to trade songs, he suggests that the guy sing "Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me" by Mac Davis. The man he is speaking to is, you guessed it, Mac Davis.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The 2002 IFP/West Independent Spirit Awards (2002) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Outlaw

An unexpectedly good film.

This film is not just that typical on the road Middle America odyssey, with frequent stops in kitschy bars and dusty diners. Jackpot has a well written script with a strong focus on character development and interaction. Gries and Morris work well together as a fly-by-night duo. Gries' goofy but personable character allows his mediocre singing to be quite intriguing. The witty dialogue was enjoyable and consistent throughout the film. Most notable is Garret Morris' performance. The film was a clever attempt to show two zealous characters struggle for an unrealistic, waste of a goal. You can't help but be envious of their carefree attitude and at the same time loathe their divergence from ideal responsibilities. It's realism allows for a vicarious experience and an appreciation of great screenwriting.