The Cookout 2004

Todd Andersen, recently celebrated for his lucrative 5-year/$30 million contract with the New Jersey Nets, dives into a world of extravagant self-indulgence. He gifts himself a stunning new home in the upscale Garden Ridges Estates, sharing this lavish lifestyle with his glamorous girlfriend, Brittany. However, as he adjusts to his new reality, Todd’s family traditions obligate him to host a festive cookout at his estate, coinciding ominously with a pivotal business meeting involving Miss Peters (Marci Reed) from Stone Mountain Phones, orchestrated by his sports agent, Wes (Jonathan Silverman).

The cookout quickly transforms into a lively gathering filled with Todd’s quirky family members: his laid-back cousins, Willie and Nelson (Jerod and Jamal Mixon), the rural cousins Jerome and Jasper (Shawn Andrew and Godfrey), Uncle Leroy (Tim Meadows), and his spirited grandfather Carl Wright, alongside cousin Little Dee (Denee Busby), her children, Nettie (Rita Owens) and her spouse Frank (Reg E. Cathey), plus their intellectually-inclined son Jamal (Kevin Phillips). The family members arrive unexpectedly, throwing Todd’s careful business plans into disarray.

Meanwhile, as Todd’s grandmother keeps Brittany busy on a ham-related mission, Em and Judge Crowley (Danny Glover) enjoy mingling amidst the festive chaos. Just then, local troublemaker Bling Bling (Ja Rule), still embarrassed from a previous encounter with Todd, conspires with his partner Wheezer (Ruperto Vanderpool) to profit off Todd’s fame by acquiring a stash of autographed sneakers to sell online. Their misguided scheme spirals out of control, leading to an array of misadventures that include a car accident, an unintentional ride with a manure salesman (Vincent Pastore), and a botched plan to steal Brittany’s new Mercedes – completely unaware that it’s actually hers.

As the day progresses, Todd grapples with the growing spectacle of his family’s antics, particularly under the scrutiny of Mildred Smith (Queen Latifah), the strict security guard of Garden Ridges, who presents a long list of complaints about Todd’s relatives. Frustrated, Todd lashes out, pleading for some space.

Suddenly, Todd’s childhood friend Becky (Eve) pays a visit, adding more layers to the day’s excitement. Nettie expresses her rivalry with Em, lamenting about Jamal’s indifference to basketball, and Em encourages Nettie to recognize Jamal’s successes, regardless of their nature. Following a heartfelt conversation with Becky, Todd seeks forgiveness from his mother after his outburst, which she readily grants once the tumult surrounding Nettie calms down.

As the cookout continues to gain energy, Todd faces an onslaught from Bling Bling and Wheezer, who are now desperate to get his autograph. The ensuing frenzy serves as eye-opener for Todd, emphasizing his underlying need for his family’s love and support. Ultimately, the antics are quelled by Mildred, Jerome, and Jasper, who curb Bling Bling and Wheezer’s reckless behavior and have them escorted away by the authorities.

In a turning point, Todd re-evaluates his relationship with Brittany, acknowledging her superficial tendencies and lack of genuine connection. He begins to date Becky, as DJ Enuff spins music for the party. To Todd’s astonishment, Miss Peters becomes impressed by the Anderson family’s steadfast affection for one another, leading her to decide to sponsor him while also sharing a romantic moment with Wes.

The story wraps up with a significant revelation: Todd makes a stunning debut with the New Jersey Mets, scoring 26 points in his inaugural game. As he and Becky prepare to embark on their journey together, they repurpose Todd’s childhood bed, symbolizing their humble origins. Meanwhile, Jamal achieves his medical degree, ending three tumultuous relationships with Brittany. Little Dee finds stability for her kids and moves next door to Todd. Leroy’s wild theory about golf balls, titled “White Balls & White Devils,” unexpectedly becomes a bestseller in New Jersey, and Mildred embarks on a new journey, leaving Garden Ridges to become a police officer known for her ticketing prowess, all while the Andersons celebrate a cookout in her honor.