🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: David Frankel
- Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama
- Release year: 2022
- Runtime (length): 1h 36min
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10 (31K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 58%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A math genius and his wife exploit a lottery loophole to fund their town’s jazz festival and prove that old people are actually good at something besides complaining about taxes.
🍿 Jerry & Marge Go Large: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Jerry and Marge Selbee
Jerry Selbee, a retiree with a knack for mathematics, struggles with the transition to his post-work life. His wife, Marge, senses his restlessness and yearns for a renewed spark in their long-lasting marriage. While grappling with his newfound free time, Jerry discovers a loophole in a Michigan lottery game.

Discovering the Lottery Loophole
Jerry analyzes the ‘Winfall’ lottery game and realizes that when the jackpot isn’t won, the money rolls down to lower-tier prizes. By purchasing a large number of tickets when the jackpot rolls down, he can statistically guarantee a profit. He successfully tests his theory, leading him and Marge to invest further.

Going Large and Reviving the Town
As Jerry and Marge’s winnings increase, they expand their operation, inviting friends and neighbors to invest. Their lottery syndicate injects much-needed money into their struggling small town of Evart, Michigan, revitalizing businesses and creating a sense of community. They face competition from a group of mathematically inclined Harvard students who also discover the loophole.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jerry (Bryan Cranston): A recently retired math whiz who discovers a loophole in the lottery and uses it to benefit his town.
- Marge (Annette Bening): Jerry’s supportive and adventurous wife who joins him in his lottery scheme.
- Bill (Rainn Wilson): A friendly convenience store owner who sells Jerry and Marge the lottery tickets and becomes part of their scheme.
- Doug Selbee (Jake McDorman): Jerry and Marge’s son, who reconnects with his father and helps with the lottery operation.
- Tyler (Uly Schlesinger): A Harvard student who tries to exploit the lottery loophole for himself, becoming an antagonist to Jerry and Marge.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Jerry: “I figured it out.” – Jerry’s simple statement to Marge when he discovers the loophole in the lottery, marking the beginning of their adventure.
- Tyler: “At Harvard, we learn a little something called binomial distribution. Look it up.” – Tyler condescendingly explains to Jerry why he believes his own lottery strategy is superior.
- Jerry: “Binomial distribution only considers two factors, not a third which is human error or a fourth, which is the time it takes for you to fill in the tickets.” – Jerry’s witty retort to Tyler, highlighting his own practical understanding of the lottery.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $13 million
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Jerry & Marge Go Large Reviews
Personal Review
I loved this movie! It’s the kind of film that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Seeing Jerry and Marge’s dedication to their town was incredibly heartwarming. There’s a scene where they’re counting stacks of cash in their basement, and it just felt so real and down-to-earth, even though they’re winning millions. Definitely a must-watch if you need a pick-me-up.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of feel-good movies”
- “Those interested in true stories”
- “Viewers who enjoy Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening’s performances”
- “People looking for a lighthearted and heartwarming film”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Brief scenes of gambling”
- “Some thematic elements related to financial stress”
Professional Reviews
- Collider: “Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening deliver heartfelt performances, elevating this feel-good story beyond its predictable plot. The film’s charm lies in its portrayal of community spirit and the Selbees’ genuine desire to help their town.
- Screen Daily: “Concourse to launch AFM sales on Wayfarer Studios action comedy ‘Code 3’ starring Rainn Wilson, Lil Rel Howery (exclusive). Jerry & Marge Go Large serves as a gentle reminder of the good that can come from simple acts of kindness and community collaboration
Audience Reactions
Heartwarming story of community spirit and the power of kindness.: Viewers appreciated the film’s positive message and the charming performances of the lead actors.
Overall Consensus: A feel-good movie that champions community spirit, buoyed by strong performances from Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on a true story of Jerry and Marge Selbee, who used a mathematical loophole in the lottery to win millions.”
- “The initial article that exposed the betting groups and the flaw in the lottery was written around 2011 by a female journalist for the Boston Globe, despite the movie implying it was only covered by HuffPost.”
- “Bryan Cranston, known for his dramatic roles, embraced a more comedic and heartwarming character in this film.”
🖥️ How to Watch Jerry & Marge Go Large?
Jerry & Marge Go Large is exclusively available for streaming on Paramount+. While it isn’t available for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV, you can access it with a Paramount+ subscription. Check your local listings for any potential broadcast airings.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Jerry & Marge Go Large, you might like these similar films:
- The Founder (2016): Shares the theme of exploiting a system for financial gain, though with darker undertones.
- The Big Short (2015): Deals with complex financial systems and individuals who identify and profit from loopholes.
- Local Hero (1983): Features a small town being impacted by outside forces, highlighting community dynamics.
- Breaking Bad (2008-2013): Stars Bryan Cranston in a story of using intellect for financial gain, although with significantly darker and more dramatic consequences.
🛒 Jerry & Marge Go Large Related Products
- Jerry & Marge Go Large Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official movie poster. It is perfect for fans who want to commemorate this feel-good story.
- Winning the Lottery for Dummies: A comprehensive guide on understanding lottery probabilities and improving your chances of winning (purely for entertainment purposes, of course!).
- Math Games for Clever Adults: A collection of challenging math puzzles and games that will put your mind to the test, inspired by Jerry’s mathematical genius.
- Oldest Loser: Why More Than Ever, Age Doesn’t Matter.: This book will teach you how to transform society’s expectations about age, rewrite the rules to your advantage, and bring meaning and purpose to your life.
🎧 Soundtrack
Jerry & Marge Go Large features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Jerry & Marge Go Large is based on the real-life story of Jerry and Marge Selbee, a couple who discovered a mathematical loophole in a lottery game and used their winnings to help their small town.
Jerry & Marge Go Large is currently streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
The loophole involved a lottery game called ‘Winfall’ where, if no one won the jackpot, the prize money rolled down to the lower-tier prizes. Jerry realized that by buying enough tickets during these roll-down periods, he could statistically guarantee a profit.
🔥 Bonus Content
Mathematician explains the ‘simple’ loophole used to win the lottery | 60 Minutes Australia
Ever wondered if the movie’s lottery loophole was actually possible? Check out this fascinating interview where a mathematician breaks down the real-life strategy. Honestly, it’s simpler than you think!
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