Rated R for pervasive language, drug content, some violence and brief sexuality.
Directed by Benny Boom
Starring Donald Faison and Mike Epps
The only guarantee with Next Day Air, is it will make my “worst films of 2009” list.
When a misguided delivery driver inadvertently delivers a package containing concealed bricks of cocaine to the wrong address, it sets in motion a desperate search and battle for the coke between the furious dealer that sent it, the fearful intended recipients that missed it, and the conniving accidental recipients that plan to flip it. Time is running out and everyone's trying to get their hands on the package that's been sent… Next Day Air!
Have you ever gotten to the video store late on a Friday looking for a new release? You scan the board to see what was released only to find a list of movies you have never heard of. That’s exactly what led to me renting Next Day Air. I really didn’t know much about the film. I did know that the guy from Scrubs was in it and he’s great on that show plus the cover box looked pretty funny so I gave it a try.
Unfortunately, Next Day Air was a complete disaster. Director Benny Boom clearly could not decide if he was directing a comedy, drama or action film. There were a few times I laughed and then stopped and asked, “Was that suppose to be funny?” Other times it felt like a comedy… but it just wasn’t funny. The “action” scenes were awkward and when it came time for the drama, well honestly I just didn’t care what was happening. The ensemble cast of B-actors seemed to be just as confused as I was and the script was just plain ridiculous. I still can’t believe I made it all the way through this one.
Needless to say I learned my lesson – next time I will leave empty handed… Next Day Air was a “Coaster.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
No way. The pervasive language, drug content, violence and brief sexuality should be enough of a reason to keep kids away from this one.
Side Note:
As said above, we don’t recommend your kids see this film. But on the occasion that they actually have already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
