‘Lottery Ticket’: a winner

August 19, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

‘LOTTERY TICKET’

Grade: B-

Credits: Bow Wow, Brandon T. Jackson, Mike Epps, T-Pain, Keith David, Charlie Murphy.

Director: Erik White

Rating: PG-13 for crude humor, language.

Running time: 1:39

Movie

Lottery Ticket

Kevin Carson is a young man living in the projects, is just an ordinary guy -- until he wins $370 million in the Mondo Millions Lottery. That's the good news. The bad news is, the lottery claim office is closed for the long Fourth of July weekend, so, before he can collect his prize, Kevin is going to have to figure out how to keep a lid on his good fortune and survive the next three days. As news of his windfall spreads through the community like a grass fire, Kevin quickly discovers the good, the bad and the ugly in his closest friends and neighbors. Girls who could never be bothered before start chasing him down. Everyone wants a piece of him. On edge and on the run, he even begins to question the intentions of his best friend.

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By RICK BENTLEY

Fresno (Calif.) Bee

“Lottery Ticket” isn’t the mega ball of outrageous comedy, but it’s still a winner because of the way director Erik White blends comic lunacy with sweet sentimentality.

Kevin (Bow Wow), a young man living with his grandmother in the projects, is suddenly $370 million richer when he wins a nationwide lottery. His moment of bliss turns into trouble as family, friends and criminals all want a piece of the prize.

Bow Wow’s been working in TV and films for several years but this is the first time he’s shown real acting skills as the good-hearted Kevin. He’s equally believable as a devoted grandson and a hormone-driven teen.

Without his solid performance, “Lottery Ticket” would be just a series of silly cameo appearances.

He’s especially good in scenes with Brandon T. Jackson, who plays Kevin’s best friend. They’re fun to watch as they run from the greedy and share real emotional moments on a lonely rooftop.

The lunacy comes from a first-rate ensemble cast that includes Mike Epps, T-Pain, Keith David, Charlie Murphy, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Terry Crews and Loretta Devine. Crews is particularly funny as a not-so-tough tough guy, but all — from serious actors to stand-up comedians — get a chance to shine.

The director smartly uses Ice Cube for the film’s most sobering moments. Ice Cube’s portrayal of a broken down boxer creates a sweet undertone for “Lottery Ticket.”