Director: David Frankel
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Annette Benning, Rainn Wilson
Running Time: 96 minutes
Synopsis: In the small town of Evart, Michigan, Jerry (Bryan Cranston) is married to Marge (Annette Bening) and recently retired from a mid-management job. He uses his math talent to spot a statistical loophole in a state lottery game, guaranteeing a windfall if tickets are purchased in bulk on selected weeks. With Marge's support, they prove the concept and the winnings start to flow. Jerry then recruits other town residents to participate, although they eventually face competition from a group of college students.
What Works Well: This is an aw-shucks, amiable true story about a retired couple who discover an unlikely avenue to riches, using their good fortune to spread the wealth and reflect on their life decisions. A craggy Bryan Cranston and a spirited Annette Bening provide star power without overwhelming the laid-back vibe, and director David Frankel surrounds the couple with quirky secondary characters (including Rainn Wilson as a convenience store clerk) who share their unexpected adventure.
What Does Not Work As Well: The basic material and standard storytelling are barely above television movie-of-the-week standards. To secure their winnings, Jerry and Marge invest a mind-numbing amount of time first buying thousands of lottery tickets, then sorting through them for days in a dank motel room, before repeating the whole process a few weeks later.
Key Quote:
Marge (to Jerry, at his retirement dinner): And now you have a boss who will let you sleep in.
Jerry: And won't yell at me.
Marge: Wrong about that.
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