First Sunday

First Sunday is a 2008 American comedy-drama film directed by David E. Talbert, marking his feature film directorial debut. It stars well-known actors such as Katt Williams, Ice Cube, and Tracy Morgan, who help bring the memorable characters to life through their signature humor and style. The humor is tinged with doses of reality that make it an entertaining yet thought-provoking piece.

The plot is centered around the characters of Durell (Ice Cube) and LeeJohn (Tracy Morgan). Hailing from Baltimore, they are two long-time friends who are known in their community for having more bad luck than good intentions. Their character histories indicate a constant struggle of trying to make ends meet despite their occasional bending of legal boundaries.

The film’s crux begins when Durell is issued an ultimatum to pay his ex-wife $17,000 in 72 hours, or he risks losing his son, Durell Junior, when his ex-wife decides to move down south with him. Despite how many odd jobs they've held and how many times they've been in and out of jail, neither Durell nor LeeJohn has ever been in as dire a situation as this, highlighting the high stakes in the movie.

After trying various legal, and not-so-legal, ways to gather the money, they are left with no other option but to resort to a desperate plan - robbing the neighborhood church. However, their scheme goes awry when they discover that someone else has already stolen the money. Left wandering around the church in the middle of the night, they are mistaken for new members of the church by a quirky group of parishioners who happened to be spending the night there.

Their simple plan turns into an unexpected hostage situation that lasts throughout the movie. As Durell and LeeJohn attempt to clear their names and find the real thief, they are confronted by a colorful ensemble of the church parishioners, including the crafty church treasurer played by Katt Williams. Each parishioner possesses unique traits, present humorous interactions, and through their interactions, teach Durell and LeeJohn lessons on morality, community, and faith.

The plot unfolds in a fashion that amalgamates comedy and drama, providing moments of riots and laughs while also revealing serious issues like economic hardship, family disputes, societal expectations, and religious faith.

Ice Cube, known widely for his roles in comedy-dramas, effectively portrays a character of dual tones. As Durell, he is tough yet vulnerable, able to invoke empathetic feelings in the viewer as a man desperate for the sake of his son's future. Tracy Morgan, on the other hand, delivers his usual hilarious performance, providing the yin to Ice Cube's yang, and giving the movie a see-saw dynamic of drama and humor. Katt Williams, in his role as Rickey, brings his unique comic style that adds further layers to the film's humor elements.

First Sunday is a film that not only provides a hearty laugh but also manages to touch upon deeper moral issues. It uses comedy as a tool to provide social commentary on the struggles of lower-income communities, the role of the church in these communities, and presents a facetious critique of religion as an institution.

The movie proffers hearty doses of solutions to life's problems with a mixture of humor, drama, suspense, and unexpected friendships. The growing relationships among the characters and how they learn about each other, breaks racial, societal, and even religious barriers, delivering a message that in life's darkest hours, hope can be found in the most unexpected places.

First Sunday, while certainly intended to incite laughs, is also a showcase of community, a celebration of the underdog, and a testament to the idea that even the most ill-intentioned plans can lead to good. The movie brings you an entertaining mix of crime, comedy, and a smattering of churches, making it a must-watch for anyone up for some laughter, emotion, and a touch of introspection.