Lottery Ticket Review

Messages: The movie has mixed messages, but the overall idea is an important one -- that all of us are partly who we are because of where we came from and that if we're lucky enough to have resources, we have a responsibility and a privilege to share those resources with our community. That's the main lesson Kevin learns ... though he also discovers just how money-hungry his friends are and that it's possible to spend $100,000 in just a couple of days. One female character makes a comment about how her body is her lottery ticket, which is a poor message to send girls -- but the movie's other main female character is ambitious and intelligent.

Role models: There are a couple of positive role models -- like Kevin's best friends, Stacie and Benny, and neighborhood hermit Mr. Washington -- but the ones who stand out are the iffier ones: the preacher who wants material riches because it's what he "deserves from God," the woman who considers her sexuality her meal ticket out of the projects, and the unredeemed criminal who doesn't think twice about stealing and threatening and using violence to get what he wants. There's also some stereotyping based on race and class.

Violence: Lots of references to crime, including an ex-con's threats, jokes about prison rape and torture, fistfights (that lead to bloody mouths), and gun violence. There aren't any all-out brawls, but Kevin is beat up a couple of times, and the ex-con is always making scary threats that he delivers on later.

Sex: Several women are shown wearing very skimpy outfits. One woman aggressively goes after the lottery winner and makes it obvious she's a "sure thing." On their date, she tells him that she's slept with many powerful men; later, she tries to have unprotected sex with him (she's in a bra and panties, he's shirtless). They kiss passionately but don't actually have sex; a similar scenario occurs the next day betwen the same guy and a different girl.

Language: Strong language is used consistently but not in every scene: "Bulls---t," "s--t," "ass," "bitch," "damn," "hell," one "f--k," and the "N" word (said by and to African Americans) are all used more than a few times. Also "screw," "goddamn," and "oh my God."

Consumerism: The two most obvious product placements are Nike (specifically the Air Jordan line) and Foot Locker, where the protagonist works or shops throughout the movie. Other brands mentioned or featured include Bentley, Hummer limo, and Cherry Coke.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: There's underage drinking at a romantic dinner, since Kevin is only 18 (no mention is made of his date's age). People have cans in their hands at a barbecue, but it's unclear whether it's beer. Vague references to a character or two being involved in the drug trade, but it's not overt, and there's no drug use on screen.