The Cookout 2004

Todd Andersen, fresh off a lucrative 5-year/$30 million contract with the New Jersey Nets, indulges in a spree of self-gifting extravagances, including a lavish new residence in the esteemed Garden Ridges Estates for himself and his socialite girlfriend, Brittany (Meagan Good). As he settles into his new life, Todd’s family tradition demands a celebratory cookout at his estate, despite the impending arrival of a crucial business meeting with Stone Mountain Phones representative Miss Peters (Marci Reed), arranged by his sports agent Wes (Jonathan Silverman).

The afternoon gathering of Todd’s eccentric clan, including stoner cousins Willie and Nelson (Jerod Mixon and Jamal Mixon), country cousins Jerome and Jasper (Shawn Andrew and Godfrey), wannabe lawyer Uncle Leroy (Tim Meadows), grandfather Carl Wright, cousin Little Dee (Denee Busby) and her children, Em’s sister Nettie (Rita Owens) and her husband Frank (Reg E. Cathey), along with their pre-med intellectual son Jamal (Kevin Phillips), begins to unfold as each family member arrives ahead of schedule, disrupting the carefully planned business meeting.

Meanwhile, Todd’s grandmother keeps Brittany occupied with a ham-related errand, allowing Em and Judge Crowley (Danny Glover) and his wife Eileen (Farrah Fawcett) to mingle at the cookout. Amidst the chaos, local troublemaker Bling Bling (Ja Rule), still seething from an earlier embarrassment at the hands of Todd, plots with his partner in crime Wheezer (Ruperto Vanderpool) to capitalize on their friend’s newfound fame by securing a cache of autographed sneakers to sell on eBay. Their ill-fated attempt to get rich quick involves a series of misadventures, including a car crash, an impromptu ride-share with a manure salesman (Vincent Pastore), and a botched theft of Brittany’s new Mercedes from a market parking lot – little do they know, the vehicle belongs to none other than Brittany herself.

As Todd’s life becomes increasingly entwined with the eccentricities of his family, he finds himself beset by concerns about his public image. The cumulative effect of their antics begins to take its toll, particularly after the arrival of Mildred Smith (Queen Latifah), Garden Ridges’ no-nonsense security guard, who brings a litany of complaints and infractions committed by Todd’s loved ones. In a moment of frustration, Todd explodes at his family to leave him be.

Just as things are simmering down, Todd’s childhood friend Becky (Eve) drops in for a visit. Nettie shares her rivalry with Em, lamenting Jamal’s lack of interest in pursuing basketball like Todd. Em offers words of wisdom, urging Nettie to take pride in Jamal’s achievements, regardless of their nature. After a heart-to-heart with Becky, Todd apologizes to his mother for losing his temper, and she forgives him once the dust settles on the drama involving Nettie.

As the cookout gains momentum, Todd is confronted by the invasion of Bling Bling and Wheezer, who are desperate to get his autograph on their sneakers. The ensuing chaos serves as a wake-up call for Todd, highlighting his deep-seated need for his family’s presence in his life. In the end, Mildred, Jerome, and Jasper put an end to Bling Bling and Wheezer’s antics, and the authorities take them away.

Todd then takes a step back from Brittany, recognizing her mercenary nature and inability to truly connect with him or his family. He begins dating Becky instead, as DJ Enuff spins tunes at the party. Todd is taken aback when Miss Peters, impressed by the Andersons’ unwavering love for one another, decides to sponsor him, and she shares a romantic moment with Wes.

The narrative concludes with a postscript that reveals Todd’s impressive debut performance with the New Jersey Mets, scoring 26 points in his first game. As he and Becky prepare to start their life together, they repurpose the childhood bed Todd once slept in as a nod to their humble beginnings. Meanwhile, Jamal earns his medical degree and breaks up with Brittany three more times. Little Dee finally finds stability for her children and moves in next door to Todd. Leroy’s golf ball conspiracy theory book, “White Balls & White Devils,” becomes a surprise bestseller in New Jersey. Mildred leaves Garden Ridges behind, pursuing a new career as a cop who earns a reputation for issuing tickets with the Andersons hosting a cookout in her honor.