Review of For Da Love of Money (2002) by Master Xi-Ying W — 14 Feb 2013

This cute little movie was a welcome relief from all the gang-banging, drug-dealing, ho-hunting, thug-bugging crap that usually typifies the "South Central" genre. Somewhat like the Wayans Brothers on a smaller scale, writer/producer/director Pierre Edwards turns African American stereotypes upside-down, and we are treated to a Day in the Life, similar to the old 1976 "Car Wash" movie.

As with "Car Wash," our story begins with a radio DJ spinning the tunes, and in between discs he mentions an armed car crash and a young man making off with a fast 20 grand. Police chase the teen down streets and through yards, and the kid finally ditches the money in a random backyard garbage can.

The "random" garbage can belongs to our hero, a regular guy named Dre, and madness quickly ensues. Although a homeless man has already made off with the money, everyone believes Dre has it, and suddenly he becomes quite popular in the Hood.

Plenty of "inside jokes" and goofy characters make this movie a hoot; however, frequent jumps between scenes leave viewers feeling as if the movie were edited by preschoolers.