Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this movie -- which stars popular comic actors Ice Cube and Tracy Morgan -- starts out as a heist comedy but ends up more like a Tyler Perry film, with a sentimental, moral message about taking responsibility and never giving up hope. Language is milder than in other PG-13 films but is present (including "ass" and "s--t"), as is the central violent act of taking a group of parishioners hostage in a church. There's no outright sex, but a character does overhear some shenanigans in a massage parlor, and a man receives a sensual massage from what turns out to be a cross-dresser.
Families can talk about the movie's messages. What lessons do you think audiences are intended to take away? Are they believable? Why or why not? Kids: Did you notice any stereotypes in the film? What were they?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Sandie Angulo Chen
Ice Cube has become a mini-mogul in the world of urban comedies. He's one of the few rappers-turned-actors who's proven his acting chops and is impressively adept at both comedy and drama (see Three Kings). But he, Tracy Morgan, and the talented supporting cast of FIRST SUNDAY can't catapult the movie out of the realm of mediocrity.
Cube plays Durell, a Baltimore handyman who's out of work -- and luck -- thanks to his clueless best friend, LeeJohn (Morgan). After being sentenced to 5,000 hours of community service, the men find themselves in need of fast cash: Durell's girlfriend needs nearly $18,000 to pay her salon's rent, or she'll take off with their son for another state, and LeeJohn has to pay a group of Caribbean gangsters the $12,000 he lost them on a bad scam. The answer to their prayers? Robbing an inner-city church with unbelievably generous members. In just the one Sunday the men attend, the church raises more than $30,000 -- conveniently perfect for the two petty criminals.
The movie's steady stream of laughs, mostly courtesy of Morgan, diminishes a bit once the church heist goes wrong and the men are forced to take a group of choir members -- as well as the church's board of directors -- hostage. Durell goes from being the decent, smart member of the duo to becoming a surprisingly rough "thug" armed with two guns and a foul mouth to get his money. Character actors Loretta Devine and Chi McBride are almost too good for their parts as the church's loving secretary and wise pastor. And stand-up comic Katt Williams steals many a scene as the cowardly and flamboyant choir director.
The hostage situation culminates with a predictable amount of sermonizing and repentance, but it's all a bit too easy considering that the men weren't exactly cold, hard murderers -- just stupid and unlucky.
Despite jokes that are funny enough, newcomer director David E. Talbert mishandles the plot -- why the men needed the money was never all that compelling -- and the timing. He also squanders the talent that actors like McBride, Devine, and Keith David bring to the ensemble. But if you don't mind a pat, sentimental ending, you might be entertained.
Families might enjoy other Ice Cube comedies, like Barbershop and Barbershop 2. Or check out Morgan on 30 Rock.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentLeeJohn gets a sensual massage from what turns out to be a cross-dresser; Durell can hear moans, groans, and a squeaking mattress from another room in the massage parlor. Both men stare at a woman's behind, which gets a few close-ups. Tianna and Durell flirt. Omunique wears revealing, tight-fitting clothes. |
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ViolenceGun-wielding Caribbean gangsters threaten and punch LeeJohn and Durell. Durell brings two guns to the church, where he takes a bunch of parishioners hostage and threatens to harm them if the church's fundraising money isn't surrendered. |
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Language"Ass," "s--t," "bulls--t," etc. A woman flips LeeJohn the bird. |
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Social BehaviorAt first LeeJohn and Durell, both of whom have a rap sheet, continue to engage in criminal behavior (including taking churchgoers hostage) -- but in the end they learn big lessons about taking responsibility for their actions and repenting for their ways. |
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CommercialismRecognizable brands include Avirex, Enyce, Sony PSP, Cadillac, Pinto, and Baltimore's transit system. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoBumper stickers that say "Honk if you like weed" two homeless people pass a bottle of liquor back and forth. |
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