First Sunday

A weak premise, sloppily executed, undermines the usually dependable Ice Cube's latest starring vehicle, which bases much of its alleged humor on characterizations—of small-time crooks, street punks, church ladies, preacher men, and fey choir masters—that are so caricaturist as to be distasteful. When Ice Cube's Durell, a seemingly intelligent and well-educated young man, can't find a job, he lets himself be persuaded—by his dimwitted friend LeeJohn (Tracy Morgan)—into robbing a church of its building fund, because he's desperate to prevent his ex-wife (Regina Hall) from leaving Baltimore for Atlanta with his infant son. The resulting fiasco finds the two would-be robbers taking virtually the entire congregation hostage, including the pastor (Chi McBride), his gorgeous daughter (Malinda Williams), a fast-taking deacon (Michael Beach), the abrasive church secretary (Loretta Devine), and the over-the-top choir director (Katt Williams). Time and again, writer-director David E. Talbert takes the easy way out, going for the quick laugh with predictable gags—the end result is a disappointing waste of some very talented performers. Not recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director David E. Talbert, 35 minutes of deleted scenes, 16 minutes of “Hood Robbin'” cast and crew interviews, a five-minute gag reel, five minutes of outtakes, “David E. Talbert's Camera Wrap Speech” (3 min.), a “Fact Track” pop-up trivia option, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a so-so comedy.] (E. Hulse)