First Sunday Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two guys try to rob a church, find out someone already did, and then it turns into a very long, slightly awkward potluck.

🍿 First Sunday: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Desperate Measures

Durell Washington and LeeJohn Jackson are two down-on-their-luck friends in Baltimore. Durell faces losing custody of his son, Durell Jr., if he can’t come up with $17,000. Desperate to keep his son in his life, he teams up with LeeJohn to rob a local church. Their initial plan seems simple enough, but their ineptness quickly leads to complications.

The Church Robbery Gone Wrong

The robbery quickly goes awry, and Durell and LeeJohn discover that someone else has already stolen the church’s funds. Trapped and with few options, they decide to hold the church members hostage, hoping to find the missing money. This leads to a night of chaos and unexpected revelations as they try to figure out who among the congregation is the real thief.

A Night of Reflection

As the night progresses, the hostages and the hostage-takers begin to interact and understand each other’s struggles. Durell starts to question his actions and the impact they are having on his son. The eccentric choir director, Ricky, and the other church members offer unexpected support and guidance, leading to a shift in Durell’s perspective.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Durell (Ice Cube): A desperate father and petty criminal who plans a church robbery to prevent his son from moving away.
• Rickey (Katt Williams): The eccentric and flamboyant choir director at the church, who adds comic relief to the situation.
• LeeJohn (Tracy Morgan): Durell’s goofy and unreliable best friend who assists in the ill-fated church robbery.
• Sister Doris (Loretta Devine): A kind-hearted and devout member of the church’s congregation.
• Pastor Arthur Mitchell (Chi McBride): The pastor of the robbed church who attempts to guide Durell and LeeJohn toward redemption.
• Omunique (Regina Hall): Durell’s ex-girlfriend who is planning to move away with their son.
• Deacon (Michael Beach): A seemingly upstanding member of the church who is revealed to be the actual thief.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• LeeJohn: “My mom had two boyfriends, Lee and John. She didn’t know who my daddy was, so she named me LeeJohn.” – LeeJohn explains the origin of his unusual name when asked by Rickey, the choir director.
• Rickey: “What kinda name is LeeJohn anyway?” – Said with comedic flair highlighting the uniqueness of LeeJohn’s name.
• Momma T: “You got to learn to do right so you can be right for your son.” – Momma T gives Durell advice about responsibility and being a good father.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $37,931,869
• Worldwide Gross: $38,810,311

💥 First Sunday Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘First Sunday’ expecting a laugh riot, and while there were definitely some funny moments, especially anything with Katt Williams, the movie felt a bit all over the place. Ice Cube trying to be a good dad was sweet, but the whole church robbery thing was just… weird. I did enjoy seeing familiar faces like Loretta Devine, though! It’s a decent watch if you don’t take it too seriously.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Ice Cube and Tracy Morgan”
  • “Viewers interested in comedies with themes of redemption”
  • “Those who enjoy movies with a focus on community and faith”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some scenes of violence and comedic crime”
  • “Suggestive humor”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While the cast brings energy, ‘First Sunday’ struggles to find a consistent tone. The humor is broad, and the social commentary feels underdeveloped, resulting in a film that’s neither laugh-out-loud funny nor particularly insightful.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Despite a talented cast including Ice Cube and Tracy Morgan, ‘First Sunday’ is an uneven mix of comedy and drama that never quite gels. The predictable plot and reliance on stereotypes ultimately undermine its potential.
• Common Sense Media: “Offers mixed messages about crime and redemption, with some laughs amid heavy stereotypes. Okay for older teens, but parents should be aware of mature themes.

Audience Reactions

Katt Williams absolutely steals the show as the eccentric choir director.: Many viewers found Katt Williams’ performance to be the highlight of the movie, praising his comedic timing and delivery.

The movie has a good message about faith, family, and second chances.: Despite its flaws, audiences appreciated the movie’s positive themes and its attempt to show redemption.

Overall Consensus: First Sunday is a mixed bag, with some viewers finding it funny and heartwarming, while others criticize its predictable plot and reliance on stereotypes. Katt Williams’ performance is generally considered a highlight.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Tracy Morgan filmed the movie while wearing an ankle bracelet, a condition of his probation at the time. He had to travel directly home after filming each day.”
• “The filming locations included the First Hope Community Church in Baltimore, Maryland, adding authenticity to the church scenes.”

🖥️ How to Watch First Sunday?

Currently, “First Sunday” is available to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast availability as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed First Sunday, you might like these similar films:

• Friday After Next (2002): Shares similar comedic themes and stars Ice Cube in a humorous urban setting.
• Barbershop (2002): Another Ice Cube movie focused on community and everyday struggles with comedic elements.
• Nothing to Lose (1997): Features a similar buddy-comedy dynamic with unexpected partnerships in criminal circumstances.
• This Christmas (2007): Similar themes of family, community, and redemption, but focuses more on Christmas celebration.
• Bad Boys (1995): Fast-paced action with humor.

🛒 First Sunday Related Products

• First Sunday [Blu-ray]: Own the physical media of this memorable comedy.
• Friday After Next (Blu-ray): Another hilarious Ice Cube comedy movie on Blu-ray format.
• Barbershop (Two-Disc Collector’s Edition): Another great Ice Cube movie.
• Tracy Morgan: Staying Alive [Digital]: Watch a Tracy Morgan hilarious standup after seeing him act in First Sunday.

🎧 Soundtrack

First Sunday features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hit the Block” – performed by UGK (Underground Kings) featuring T.I.

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

First Sunday Outtake

This extended church scene with Katt Williams is hilarious! You get to see more of his improvisational comedy that didn’t make the final cut. Trust me, it’s worth the watch!

First Sunday Bloopers

Ever wonder what happens when the cameras aren’t rolling perfectly? This blooper reel from First Sunday is pure gold! Watching the cast crack up is just as funny as the movie itself.

The Presence Of The Lord Is Here – Katt Williams (directing the choir)

Katt Williams directing a choir? Sounds like a recipe for comedy chaos! This scene is a must-see for any fan of the movie. You’ll be laughing out loud, guaranteed.

✨ Rate