review: FIRST SUNDAY (Blu-ray)

Sony  //  Buy from Amazon.com Ice Cube and Tracy Morgan are two thieves who haven't got a prayer in First Sunday, a sinfully funny comedy co-starring Katt Williams and Chi McBride. Sentenced to 5,000 hours of community service, Durell Jefferson's (Cube) life quickly goes from bad to worse. Realizing that the Lord helps those who help themselves, he eventually decides to help himself to the neighborhood church's building fund. Accompanied by his dimwitted partner-in-crime LeeJohn (Morgan), the two down-on-their luck men are dismayed to discover the cash has already been stolen, so they hold the congregation hostage in a Hail Mary attempt to learn who amongst the righteous has already run away with their loot! I have to admit that I was expecting some type of weak rehashing of Ice Cube's "Friday" films when I saw the trailers for this film. It had a good cast (tough to go wrong with Ice Cube, Tracy Morgan & Katt Williams) but I just got the sense of "been there, seen that." Thankfully, you can't judge a book by its cover, as I was very pleasantly surprised to find out that not only is this film genuinely funny (with next to nothing in common with the "Friday" films other than Ice Cube and Katt Williams being on both), but it also has a heart at the center of it. The film isn't just a yuk-yuk fest (although the funny scenes are damn funny), but it's also a heartfelt & heartwarming look at a father just trying to do right by his family. Of course, this clearly is not a sappy drama in any way, shape or form - and again, it is damn funny - but I'm making sure to point out the touching aspects of the film, as I was completely surprised, and very much drawn in, by them. All in all, this is a really well done film that is sure to entertain regardless of your mood or inclination. Check it out. Video The 1.85:1 widescreen 1080p high-def transfer is fantastic, with crystal-clear picture quality and detail throughout. Audio The included Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround mix was also very good, although since this is a comedy, it's a pretty front-heavy mix that'll do little to work out your surrounds. Extras audio commentary w/ director "The Almighty Version Enhanced Fact Track" subtitled trivia track deleted & extended scenes w/ optional commentary "Hood Robbin' with The First Sunday Cast and Crew" featurette gag reel outtakes director's speech at the end of production trailers Closing Thoughts Very funny (and touching) flick + loads of extras = definitely worth your time to check out