Next Friday

Next Friday

Not quite as potent as its predecessor, this sequel scores a few points for being a capable farce. Still, those wanting to see more of the original Friday's cast might be disappointed. The film opens with a Fresh Prince tone, as Craig (Cube) is off to visit his rich suburban relatives and escape the wrath of bully Deebo (Lister). As it turns out, the 'burbs are almost as volatile as South Central L.A. For one thing, his cousin Day Day (Epps) is being hounded by two crazy women. Second, his suburban family's neighbors are lowrider gang bangers. This time around, the character of Craig seems more in control of such dilemmas; instead of playing the hapless observer of crazed situations, he's more willing to meet them head-on. To an extent, that's where the film fails to measure up to the first Friday: Cube's straight-man portrayal in the original film was somewhat flawless. Not to say that he can't play a smooth leading man, but the character of Craig seemed more interesting as a "Why me?" kind of guy. There are some funny moments, and the entire switch in settings and cast (with the exception of Cube, Witherspoon, and Lister) works on a certain level. Still, the duo of Tucker and Cube were what made the original affable. With that, Next Friday is just another sequel that can't elevate itself above mediocrity.