Initial assumptions can be deceiving, and thankfully, preconceptions about “Where’s The Money” proved to be inaccurate. Featuring a mix of internet personalities like Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor and Logan Paul alongside seasoned actors such as Kat Graham and Terry Crews, this movie delivers unexpected comedic moments.
Andrew Bachelor stars as Del, a South Central local who, along with his mother Roberta (played by Retta from Parks and Recreation), manages their family gym. Alongside his friends, the well-meaning but not-so-bright Juice (Allen Maldonado) and the pragmatic Alicia (Kat Graham), Del struggles with financial difficulties in Los Angeles. However, Del’s circumstances might change when his incarcerated father (Mike Epps) reveals the existence of a million-dollar stash hidden in an old flophouse. This hidden money is the result of a bank robbery committed years ago by his father and uncle (Terry Crews), offering Del a chance to profit from their past crimes.
However, the flophouse is no longer what it once was; it has been transformed into a fraternity house for Kappa Alpha Chi. Del decides to infiltrate this predominantly white fraternity by becoming a pledge. While the fraternity brothers include Josh Brener (Silicon Valley) and Logan Paul, Devon Werkheiser stands out as Brock, a frat member known for appropriating black culture and mispronouncing his name as Barack.
What might initially appear as a simple heist comedy with predictable slapstick humor evolves into a nuanced exploration of racial dynamics and perceptions. Del strategically uses “white guilt” to gain acceptance within the fraternity. Despite the brothers’ belief in their own lack of prejudice, they are eventually forced to confront their unconscious biases and shortsighted actions.
Del himself is not without flaws. His lack of ambition and self-centeredness have contributed to his current problems, and his decisions throughout the movie threaten to harm those closest to him.
“Where’s The Money” prioritizes comedy over heavy social commentary, making its comedic sequences the main attraction. For viewers who enjoy gross-out humor, a scene involving a toothbrush and a hot tub featuring Bachelor and Werkheiser is sure to deliver. Werkheiser also has a memorably disgusting (yet humorous) encounter with Graham.
Scott Zabielski, in his feature film debut, effectively incorporates several comedic highlights within the movie’s concise 85-minute runtime. The film’s climax, a tense standoff, culminates in an unexpected and well-executed resolution.
Credit is also due to Andrew Bachelor, the lead actor. Despite his comedic talent, he allows the ensemble cast to shine. Notably, Bachelor’s scene with Mike Epps, which involves a bedtime story reading in prison, is particularly well-acted.
The combination of actors from traditional film and television with internet celebrities is surprisingly seamless. Ultimately, they are all performers. Bachelor and Logan Paul, despite their massive online followings on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, demonstrate that their charisma and performance skills translate effectively to the cinematic medium.
Initially skeptical about “Where’s The Money”, I was pleasantly surprised by how entertaining and worthwhile this comedy turned out to be. It’s a fun watch that offers more than just cheap laughs. If you’re looking for a lighthearted comedy that might just surprise you, “Where’s the Money” is worth considering for your entertainment budget.
Special Features: The DVD includes over six minutes of deleted scenes, which are enjoyable for fans of the movie. One scene expands on the comedic dynamic between Bachelor and Paul, and another features a funny boxing moment with Kat Graham. Interestingly, a minor plot inconsistency (concerning Werkheiser and Graham’s characters) that was unresolved in the theatrical version is subtly addressed in one of the deleted scenes. A “making of” featurette with behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews is also included on the DVD, adding further value.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
