This review was made possible by an advance screener of Jerry and Marge Go Large provided by Paramount+. Jerry & Marge Go Large streams June 17 on Paramount+.
Jerry & Marge Go Large is a story inspired by true events of a married couple who become “professional lottery players.” The story begins with Jerry Selbee, played by Bryan Cranston, finding himself forced into retirement and not knowing what to do with his time. While contemplating at a local diner, he begins reading an advertisement for a state lottery and quickly realizes there’s a flaw in the game.
The WinFall lottery game works in the way that once the jackpot reaches a certain amount without a winner, that jackpot would roll down to the players with fewer winning numbers. He realizes that if he purchases enough tickets, it’s statistically impossible for him to lose money. At first, he plays alone before getting his wife involved and then ultimately their entire small town.
A Star-Studded Cast
While checking out trailers for upcoming films, this was the one that caught my eye. I’ve always been a fan of movies that feature an older couple as the main characters, so I wanted to check it out. I was quickly interested as I began watching, as it took place in a small, once-thriving midwestern town, the kind of place where everybody knows everybody (and everybody knows everybody’s business).
It was a place I could relate to, although where I grew up was slightly larger, it carried the same feeling. A rust belt town that once-upon-a-time was lively and full of hope and promise, only to decline along with the U.S. steel and coal industries, but I digress. My point is, the setting and the townsfolk feel relatable.
Another thing that drew me in was the low-key, star-studded cast. Bryan Cranston as Jerry Selbee, Annette Bening as Marge Selbee, as well as Rainn Wilson, Michael McKean and Larry Wilmore among several others. Luckily, they all work together well, which makes for a fun time, and you finish the movie feeling connected to almost everyone.
Lotto Wins And Community Spirit
The film isn’t a fast-paced one by any means, but it is story-driven and a story it does tell. There are several ways to describe it but I think the best way to put it is that ultimately, it’s a feel-good story with a lot of heart. When Jerry and Marge get their entire town involved in their lottery adventure – one they statistically can’t fail – you want to see them succeed. Most of the people aren’t spending their winnings on lavish items or to finally get out of their small town; they’re using the money they win each month to build back their town to its original glory.
Of course, no feel-good story comes without trouble. While Jerry and Marge were first playing the WinFall lottery in their home state of Michigan, the state lottery soon shut down the game but then they realize that the same game was running in Massachusetts. Instead of giving up, they decide to drive to a small town in Massachusetts every few weeks to play. With nothing to lose, they begin asking their neighbors to join in, and surprisingly, they do without much hesitation. The real trouble comes in when a Harvard student, Tyler, played by Uly Schlesinger, is working on a research project and notices the same flaw in the game.
Tyler gathers a group of other students so that they can play and win because, once again, it’s statistically impossible to lose. Of course, they eventually realize that someone else knows about the flaw, and Tyler is able to track down Jerry and Marge in an attempt to convince them to join his group. They decline, and that seems to be the end of it until Tyler approaches Jerry once again and threatens not only him but the other members of his group.
The other side of the trouble comes from a reporter from The Boston Globe, desperately looking for a front-page story, when she comes across the lottery winners and sees the same names every few weeks. This element of the story feels less fleshed out and almost unnecessary if not for the ending. Although I think this movie will ultimately fly under the radar, I hope people choose to check it out because it’s a good watch that you can throw on when you just want to relax.
Final Thoughts – ‘Jerry & Marge Go Large’
Jerry & Marge Go Large is a heartwarming story that’ll have you wondering if, when, and how their luck will finally run out. It’s a nice reminder that good things can happen to good people. Greed might get you far, but selflessness will get you even farther.
The Review
Jerry & Marge Go Large
Jerry & Marge Go Large is a heartwarming story that'll have you wondering if, when, and how their luck will finally run out. It's a nice reminder that good things can happen to good people. Greed might get you far, but selflessness will get you even farther.
