Big Picture Big Sound

A Whole Lotto Love

"Lottery Ticket" opens with a simple premise: a kid from the projects wins the lottery and must keep the winning ticket safe through Fourth of July weekend in order to collect. It's a clever idea for a light, ensemble neighborhood comedy in the vein of "Friday" or "Barbershop". And that's just what "Ticket" delivers. In fact, it's executive-produced by the star of those two films, Ice Cube (he also plays a small but memorable role).

The young winner in question is Kevin Carson (Bow Wow), a Foot Locker employee and aspiring shoe designer (really, this kid loves shoes). In short order, Kevin finds himself the holder of a $370 million winning ticket (it's one of those mega-jackpots, of course) and the object of envy from everyone in the neighborhood, including the local golddigger (Teairra Mari), the local gangster (Keith David), and a particularly frightening ex-con (Gbenga Akinnagbe, from "The Wire").

The movie plays on the idea that a piece of paper with some numbers printed on it is suddenly imbued with awesome powers. And of course the fear of losing that paper. But the script, by newcomer Abdul Williams, adds an interesting level to what could have been a throwaway comedy. By setting the film in a poor neighborhood, he touches (albeit lightly) on some interesting topics of community and friendship - as well as the utter lack of police concern in the area. And, of course, it's all wrapped up in the type of "what does it mean to be truly rich" theme that's been so tear-jerkingly peddled since (my personal favorite) "It's a Wonderful Life".

The director Erik White ensembles a solid cast, with small smirking roles for Loretta Devine (as Kevin's mom), Mike Epps (a covetous Reverend) and Charlie Murphy (the town gossip). At the helm, Bow Wow holds the screen with the same easy charm he brought to "Roll Bounce". He's a young actor, for sure, but he's got charisma and at times he's reminiscent of Will Smith in his early years. He's also given a great comic partner in Brandon T. Jackson, as his motor-mouthed best friend.

For the most part, the film is a sweet, and very noisy, comedy. Too often it relies on screaming and running rather than following through on its premise. And the bully/gangster subplot is as easily resolved as it is easy to see coming. The film's much more interesting when it sticks closely to the neighborhood and its characters. That's the real ticket.