Released in 2002, Friday After Next is the third installment in the beloved “Friday” film franchise. Directed by Marcus Raboy and written by Ice Cube, who also stars in the movie, the film continues the misadventures of Craig Jones and his cousin Day-Day. While the original “Friday” (1995) explored life in South Central Los Angeles with a blend of humor and social commentary, and its sequel “Next Friday” (2000) expanded into suburban chaos, “Friday After Next” shifts gears into holiday-themed hilarity with a touch of seasonal spirit.
Over the years, the film has grown into a cult classic, known for its offbeat humor, memorable characters, and raw, unfiltered depiction of urban life. This article delves deep into the making, plot, characters, reception, themes, cultural impact, and legacy of Friday After Next.
Background of the Friday Franchise
Origins of the Franchise
The “Friday” series began in 1995 with the breakout hit Friday, co-written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh. The film introduced viewers to the world of Craig and Smokey, blending humor with real-life issues such as unemployment, drug culture, and neighborhood violence.
Next Friday (2000) followed Craig’s move to the suburbs and introduced Day-Day, portrayed by Mike Epps. The sequel carried forward the comedic tone but leaned more into slapstick comedy.
Where Friday After Next Fits In
Set during the holiday season, Friday After Next adds a festive backdrop while continuing the chaotic yet heartwarming adventures of Craig and Day-Day.
Plot Summary
Overview
Craig and Day-Day have just moved into a new apartment and taken up jobs as security guards at a local strip mall. On Christmas Eve, a thief dressed as Santa Claus robs their apartment, stealing rent money and leaving them scrambling to make ends meet before they are evicted by their landlady.
As they navigate work, neighbors, and their eccentric family members, Craig and Day-Day must figure out how to catch the thief, save Christmas, and avoid trouble—all within a single day.
Key Events
- Robbery by the fake Santa Claus
- Working the night shift at “Holy Moly Donut Shop”
- Dealing with their landlord and his intimidating son Damon
- Planning a rent party to earn back the stolen money
- Final confrontation and resolution on Christmas night
Cast and Characters
Main Characters
- Craig Jones (Ice Cube): A level-headed and street-smart protagonist, caught in the madness of the holidays.
- Day-Day (Mike Epps): Craig’s goofy and over-the-top cousin, who provides comic relief throughout the film.
- Damon (Terry Crews): A recently released convict and the landlord’s son, whose presence intimidates everyone.
- Ms. Pearly (Bebe Drake): The landlady who threatens eviction if rent is not paid.
- Money Mike (Katt Williams): A flashy and fast-talking pimp who runs a clothing boutique in the strip mall.
- Moly (Maz Jobrani): Owner of the Holy Moly Donut Shop.
Supporting Cast
- Uncle Elroy and Auntie Suga: Returning characters known for their outrageous antics.
- Santa Claus Thief (Rickey Smiley): The main antagonist whose robbery kickstarts the story.
Behind the Scenes
Production Notes
- Directed by Marcus Raboy, primarily known for music videos before making his feature film debut with this movie.
- Produced by Ice Cube’s Cube Vision.
- Shot in Los Angeles, with sets designed to reflect an authentic, urban holiday experience.
Music and Soundtrack
The film’s soundtrack mixes hip-hop and holiday-themed tracks, featuring artists like:
- Ice Cube
- Nate Dogg
- Westside Connection
- Donny Hathaway
The blend of festive cheer and urban beats adds to the movie’s unique tone.
Themes and Analysis
Urban Life and Survival
The movie portrays working-class struggles in a humorous light, highlighting issues like job insecurity, housing problems, and the importance of community.
Family and Friendship
Despite the comedic chaos, the bond between Craig and Day-Day, and their interactions with family, showcase the importance of loyalty and support during tough times.
Christmas Spirit
Friday After Next offers a different take on Christmas, far from the traditional snowy settings. It’s about finding joy and hope even when things go wrong.
Satire and Social Commentary
The film uses satire to touch on:
- The commercialization of Christmas
- Police incompetence
- Gentrification and landlord-tenant conflicts
- Stereotypes within the African-American community
Cultural Impact
Reception at Release
Released on November 22, 2002, Friday After Next received mixed reviews from critics:
- Some praised its humor and performances (especially Katt Williams).
- Others criticized the lack of plot depth and reliance on crude jokes.
Despite this, it performed moderately well at the box office and has become a holiday favorite.
Box Office Performance
- Budget: ~$10 million
- Gross: ~$33.5 million worldwide
The film’s modest budget and profitable return contributed to its long-standing popularity.
Cult Classic Status
Over time, Friday After Next has gained a loyal fanbase, especially among audiences who appreciate its unfiltered comedy and holiday charm.
- Frequently aired during holiday seasons
- Referenced in pop culture and memes
- Spawned fan discussions and debates about a potential sequel
Iconic Moments and Quotes
Memorable Scenes
- The robbery scene with the Santa thief
- Day-Day getting tased by Damon
- Money Mike’s fight scene in the bathroom
- The chaotic rent party with Uncle Elroy’s antics
Classic Quotes
- “I’m a boy, Damon!”
- “Merry Christmas, muthaf***a!”
- “You can’t spell ‘cheap’ without Day-Day!”
These lines have become part of the cultural lexicon, especially during holiday movie marathons.
Legacy and Future
Influence on Holiday Films
Friday After Next paved the way for urban holiday comedies, breaking away from mainstream Christmas film formulas.
Sequel Speculation
Fans have long awaited a fourth installment tentatively titled Last Friday. Though teased over the years, it remains in development limbo, especially after the passing of key cast members like John Witherspoon (Craig’s father).
Streaming and Home Media
Available on:
- DVD and Blu-ray
- Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max (availability may vary by region)
Merchandising and Fan Culture
- T-shirts and hoodies with iconic quotes
- Memes and GIFs shared widely on social media
- Fan-created trailers for the hypothetical “Last Friday” sequel
Conclusion
Friday After Next may not be everyone’s traditional holiday movie, but it has carved out a space as a uniquely American Christmas classic. It’s a film that combines laughter with real-life relatability, making it a staple for fans of the “Friday” franchise and comedy lovers alike. Whether you’re rewatching it for the 10th time or discovering it anew, this movie delivers a holiday story like no other—with heart, humor, and hood authenticity.
FAQs
1. Do I need to watch the first two Friday movies before watching Friday After Next?
Not necessarily. Each movie stands alone, but watching the previous films adds context to the characters and relationships.
2. Where was Friday After Next filmed?
The movie was filmed in and around Los Angeles, California.
3. Is Friday After Next a Christmas movie?
Yes, it takes place during the holiday season and features a Christmas-themed storyline, albeit with an urban twist.
4. Who plays the role of Money Mike?
Comedian Katt Williams makes his film debut as Money Mike, one of the film’s most memorable characters.
5. Is there a fourth Friday movie coming?
A fourth film titled Last Friday has been discussed for years, but as of now, there is no confirmed release.
6. What’s the rating of Friday After Next and why?
It is rated R due to strong language, sexual content, and drug references.
