Film

Next Friday

Name: Next Friday
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2000
Cast: Ice Cube, Mike Epps, Justin Pierce, John Witherspoon, Don Curry

Comedy

A streetwise comedy about a man fleeing South Central LA to hide out with his lottery-rich relatives in the suburbs, only to discover that trouble has followed him. It's silly, warmly observed, packed with characters who feel lived-in, and genuinely funny in ways that don't require you to check your brain at the door. Perfect if you want comedy that's both raucous and rooted.

TMDb rating

3.3

If you liked this

Friday1995

The spiritual predecessor that launched the whole universe. Tighter, meaner, funnier—Craig and Smokey's block feels like a real place. Essential if you want to understand where the energy comes from.

But Shot on a budget and it shows. Some jokes land harder than others, and the plot is deliberately thin.

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Kid 'n Play's breakout has the same DNA: comedy rooted in Black culture and friendship, scrappy energy, and a real affection for its characters even when they're ridiculous.

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Ice Cube and Kevin Hart riffing as a mismatched buddy cop duo. Cube gets to be both funny and genuinely cool, and there's real chemistry between them that makes the absurdity land.

But The plot is functional at best. It exists mainly to string together comedic set-pieces, which is fine but forgettable.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Next Friday

The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

Do the Right Thing1989

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Barbershop2002

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Boyz n the Hood1991

John Singleton's film shares the South LA setting and cast (Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube) but swaps comedy for hard truth. Shows you what the streets look like when you're not laughing.

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The 40 Year-Old Virgin2005

Judd Apatow's comedy about a man out of step with his world, surrounded by a colorful ensemble cast. It's silly but warm, finding humor in loneliness without cruelty.

But Nearly two and a half hours of improv and tangents. Patience required. Some of the supporting characters are aggressively irritating.

Coming to America1988

Eddie Murphy as a fish-out-of-water prince in Queens. Rich production, funny supporting characters, a real heart underneath the comedy, and pure movie joy.

But It's a bit precious and the satire is soft. Comedy royalty can sometimes mean less edge.

Menace II Society1993

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CB41993

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The Guard2011

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