Millionaires aren’t safe in the projects. At least, that’s what Lottery Ticket implies. Directed by big-screen newcomer Erik Wright, the film stars Bow Wow as Kevin Carson, a hard-working inner city dweller who’s simultaneously blessed and burdened by winning a lotto jackpot of $370 million.
The financial shot-put flips Carson’s morals at first—he makes a side-deal with a shady businessman for upfront cash, indulges in a shopping spree and even takes the neighborhood gold- digger out for a fancy dinner. His best friend Benny (Brandon T. Jackson, best known for a supporting part in Tropic Thunder) and girl-next-door-turned-love- interest Stacie (Naturi Naughton of Fame, Notorious and R&B girl group 3LW circa 2000) try to keep him grounded. But it’s Lorenzo, an exaggerated, aggressive bully
determined to rob Carson of his winnings, who snaps him back to reality.
The predictable nature of the plot does more to bore than entertain, but comedic minor characters played by seasoned funnymen offer some saving grace. Mike Epps dons a wig and tacky suit for Reverend Taylor, a larger- than-life preacher who, Jackson said in a recent press interview with The Signal and other local media, was a friendly poke at Katt Williams’ trademark persona. Bill Bellamy gets an even lesser but still laughable role, and Ice Cube— whose old-and-wise character is mostly serious—ensures a few laughs, even if just for the white- and-gray accents slapped on to his beard.
And of course, the film boasts that inevitable, gracious message about giving back to the little folks, heard full-force at the film’s end. But much of Lottery Ticket was shot at Atlanta’s Herndon Homes—a storied government-run housing project that was recently demolished—with no charitable footprint from Wright or Lottery Ticket’s stars to be seen.
