In this dark comedy, Colin Hanks stars as befuddled, bashful Ben, who is stunned when he wins $36 million in the Iowa State Lottery—particularly since the ticket was purchased by Leslie Singer, whose dead body is stuffed in his mother's basement closet. Suddenly, Lucy (Ari Graynor), the indifferent girl Ben has adored since childhood, is eager to marry him. Only later, during their lavish honeymoon in Hawaii, does Lucy begin to suspect that something is awry, although as an avowed gold-digger and compulsive shopper, Lucy's not about to surrender the cash cow just because she stumbles across damning evidence. Besides, Ben's mother Pauline (Ann-Margret) has never been so happy. As the body count mounts, so do the suspicions of Detective Waylon (Jeffrey Tambor). Writer-director Gil Cates Jr.'s deeply deranged comedy premise—serial killer wins the lottery—is not successfully realized, due to a somewhat scattershot script and slow pacing. Optional, at best. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Gil Cates, Jr., a behind-the-scenes featurette (9 min.), deleted scenes (4 min.), the “I Choose Happiness” music video by David Choi, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a comic misfire.] (S. Granger)
Lucky
Peace Arch, 103 min., R, DVD or Blu-ray: $29.99, Oct. 11 Volume 26, Issue 6
Lucky
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