When the Checks Stop Coming In

According to filmmaker Jacinda M. Rentrope's cautionary documentary, African-Americans control some $3 trillion dollars. Yet the principle of building inter-generational wealth has not firmly taken hold where blacks—particularly in the entertainment and athletic arenas—have made large amounts of money in a short time. When the Checks Stop Coming In tells a succession of anecdotal tales about rappers, singers, football players, and others who have burned through money like there's no tomorrow—but then tomorrow comes, and these talented individuals find themselves not only broke, but also owing the IRS and unable to control their own fates. Financial planners and various celebrities who successfully made the transition from stars to business owners talk about the various reasons behind fleeting wealth. Some point to the legacies of slavery, while others cite terrible decisions made by naïve young celebrities who buy everything in sight and support an entourage of sycophants. But there are also other factors, such as placing one's trust and financial management in the hands of family members or friends who aren't up to the job (one football player signed over power-of-attorney to a manager without understanding what that meant). M.C. Hammer, Toni Braxton, Chris Tucker, DMX, and others are held up as examples of stars who made bad choices, while Magic Johnson is presented as a model for doing things right. Extras include deleted scenes. An interesting socioeconomic documentary about African-American celebrities experiencing the pitfalls of new wealth, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)