Reviewed by EWAN McDONALD
Herald rating: * * *
And now, a contemporary Christmas carol. In the third of his Friday franchise, Craig and his cousin, Day-Day (Mike Epps), are asleep in their apartment at 3 in the morning when Craig is woken by noises and finds himself face to face with
a thief.
The thief is wearing an old Santa suit and eating a ham sandwich. While Day-Day snores, Craig and Santa fight, and Santa takes him out and heads off with their CDs, presents and the stereo speaker with their rent inside.
Of course, the rent is due and Ms Pearly, the landlady, ain't about to defer payment. Especially because her son has just been released from a 12-year stretch and can enforce their co-operation.
Fortunately, the boys are starting work today as security officers and may be able to get an advance on their pay.
For those who've seen and enjoyed the first two of these urban comedies, it's pretty much the mixture as before: will Craig and Day-Day survive another Friday? Can they get an advance on their pay and come up with the rent?
No, that's not fair. It's rare for a formula flick like this to get to Generation 3.0 and come out fresh, fast-paced and funny. Which these boys do, no doubt helped by the fact that most of the cast are stand-up comedians, survivors and graduates of the 'hood.
The first-time director, Marcus Raboy, has worked with the Main Man and others on hit music videos; and because Cube is a polished and professional rapper, actor, writer and producer.
DVD features: movie (88min); commentary with director Marcus Raboy, producer Mark Alvarez and Ice Cube; commentary with cast members Anna Maria Horsford, K. D. Aubert, Katt Williams, Terry Crews; film trivia track; 4 features including costume and production documentaries (check out the encyclopedia of American barbecueing); 9 deleted scenes; gag reel; trailers; It's the Holidaze music video; Easter egg.
