Normally when you bring a story about the corrupting power of greed to the screen, the character starts off as a normal, likable human being and finds his life complicated in multiple ways by his newfound wealth. It’s a basic premise and one that has led to many a memorable film, or even to become the basis of one of the most revered Christmas classics, A Christmas Carol. Where each of these stories has the chance to delineate from the beaten path is the behavior of the people around the newly wealthy, the choices they make once wealthy, and which profound revelation about life they’ll find (beyond the inherent “money can’t buy happiness). Lottery Ticket’s journey doesn’t bring any such deep moments nor is it too funny despite being a comedy; it’s not the best comedy you’ll ever see, but it’s not the worst either, and in the end it’s essentially harmless.
It’s not hard to imagine what you’d do if you won $370 million. The reason it’s not hard is because the limitations are set pretty high. What would you buy? What would you do? Where would you go? All valid questions, but they’re the second step in the process. First, you have to turn in your ticket. For Kevin (Bow Wow), the real trick will be making it through the Fourth of July holiday weekend when he can go to the Lottery office and turn in his ticket that could potentially change his and his grandma’s life forever. However, between then and now (3 or 4 days) he has to avoid a thug out for his blood (Gbenga Akinnagbe), figure out who his real friends are, and make nice with the local kingpin (Keith David) and his guys (Terry Crews). Helping him through the weekend is his best friend Benny (Brandon T. Jackson) and the reclusive boxer (Ice Cube) that he buys soda and beef jerky for.
The biggest theme the film flaunts over and over is how many changes people. Kevin becomes distrustful of those around him as it becomes hard to tell who wants to be his friend and who wants a slice of the money. Even the local reverend isn’t above shilling for a brand new super church and a mansion. Money changes people. We get it. Even Kevin falls victim to the changes as he lets his ego and the money go to his head and arranges for an advance on his winnings to take his friends on a shopping spree. Then, as if to remind us how his life was before he won the money that he doesn’t have yet, they throw a wrench into his soon-to-be new life (before he has it, mind you), so he can win it back after learning who he can trust.
The common morality tale is there, but it’s lost in the film’s scramble to try and mix in the comical situations which are stale from the get-go. It’s a forgettable film whose most memorable aspect are familiar faces that only serve to remind you of the better films they’ve been in. Do yourself a favor and take a chance on one of the many better comedies released this year, because Lottery Ticket won’t pay out.
Blu-ray Bonus Features
The double-edged sword of today’s world of Blu-ray releases is that good and bad films alike can get a hefty share of extra features. The featurettes include a tour of the bodega used as the community hangout in the film, the casting process, and in-depth looks at the world of sneaker collecting and how costar Bill Bellamy rose to fame as a du-rag model.
Visually the film is very low-key with little flash to be spoken of so the necessity for an HD bump isn’t immediately apparent. Furthermore, there are few moments (if any) where a high-definition presentation would make any difference, this is one of those films where you may as well buy the DVD and content yourself with the upscale.
"Lottery Ticket" is on sale November 16, 2010 and is rated PG13. Comedy. Directed by Erik White. Written by Abdul Williams, Erik White. Starring Brandon T Jackson, Ice Cube, Keith David, Terry Crews, Bow Wow, Loretta Devine.
