Everyone remembers how Home Alone and Home Alone 2:Lost In New York were pretty much the same film only gussied up. To an extent, Next Friday is similar to Friday in the same vein, but there's a lot more different here.
The Cube reprises his role as Craig Jones. Mr. Jones is now a pot smoking addict, thanks to the departed Chris Tucker character. Their old nemesis Deebo (Tiny Lister) is still looking for his revenge. So Craig's father hides him in the posh Beverly Hills district where he has relatives who won the lottery.
Even there, he has trouble. His family have wasted all the money they've won, yet they still need to pay for their digs, and now if they don't get the money, they'll be evicted. Also, Craig gets into cahoots with a stereotypical (but goofy) group of Puerto Ricans living nearby. He's especially smitten by the lovely sister they have (Lisa Rodriguez). And yes, Deebo somehow finds out where Craig is. It all comes to a head.
This film is a lot better than the first one. The acting is decent and the story is a lot more intriguing. The dark setting of Compton is eased by the poshness of Beverly Hills. There are some great scenes, such as Craig's dad and his battle with Nature's Call in one of L.A.'s infamous traffic jams. Also, Craig's pot fantasy with Rodriguez's Karla character (seen in the trailers) where she dancing for him and he asks he if she's ever heard of El Nino (the weather affecter off the coast of Ecuador). When she moans "Yes", he replies "Get ready for El Negro!". Also, the closing track of "You Can Do It" is one of the Cube's best.
Yes, the characters are stereotypical cut-outs and there's a lot of offensive humor, but the film is still very good. Although How High is still my favorite comedy featuring rappers since the start of 2000 (despite the pot and vomit jokes), Next Friday is next in line. Can't wait for the third helping of Friday.
