On this day in comedy on November 22, 2002 Friday After Next was released by New Line Cinema!
This third installment of the “Friday” series of comedies starred Ice Cube (also the producer) and Mike Epps. The duo reprised their roles as Craig and Day-Day, respectively, two cousins out to retrieve their stolen Christmas presents. They also have the dilemma of being evicted if they don’t pay their rent. They get jobs working as security at a strip mall owned by a strip mall slum lord. When a group of thugs beat the sleazy owner in retaliation to Craig and Day-Day, they’re fired. So Craig’s father (John Witherspoon), the owner of the Bar-B-Que spot, rats the guy out to the Health Department. By the end Craig and Day-Day catch the thief, get their presents back and pay their rent.
Friday After Next is notable for its comedic cast. The film put Katt Williams (Money Mike) and Terry Crews (homosexual ex-con, Damon) on the map. It also featured Rickey Smiley as the thieving Santa Claus; Don DC Curry as Elroy, the co-runner of “Bros. BBQ”; Bebe Drake as the flirtatious Ms. Pearly, out to get a taste of Witherspoon’s ribs; Maz Jobrani as the scummy mall-lord and K. D. Aubert as Donna, Money Mike’s partner in “Pimps and Hoes”. Also appearing are Sommore, Anna Maria Hosford and Clifton Powell.
Directed by Marcus Raboy, Friday After Next was made on a budget of $10 million and grossed $33,526,835.
By Darryl “D’Militant” Littleton
Check out this clip:
