The story picks up with Craig Jones (played by Ice Cube) and his cousin Day-Day (played by Mike Epps) living together in a run-down apartment in Los Angeles. They work as security guards for a strip mall, but their jobs are jeopardized when a thief dressed as Santa Claus breaks into the mall and steals all of their Christmas presents and rent money.
Desperate to make ends meet, Craig and Day-Day take on odd jobs to earn money and track down the thief who robbed them. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including their eccentric landlord, Ms. Pearly (played by Bebe Drake), and her violent ex-convict son, Damon (played by Terry Crews).
As they search for the thief, Craig and Day-Day find themselves embroiled in a series of comedic misadventures, including a wild Christmas party at their neighbor’s house and a chaotic confrontation with a group of angry carolers. Despite their best efforts, they struggle to recover their stolen property and avoid getting evicted from their apartment.
Meanwhile, Craig’s father, Willie (played by John Witherspoon), faces his own challenges as he tries to run his barbecue restaurant and deal with his overbearing wife, Mrs. Jones (played by Anna Maria Horsford).
In the climax of the film, Craig and Day-Day confront the thief, who turns out to be a former childhood friend named Money Mike (played by Katt Williams). After a chaotic chase through the neighborhood, they manage to recover their stolen property and apprehend Money Mike, bringing an end to their Christmas nightmare.
In the end, Craig and Day-Day celebrate their victory and reflect on the true meaning of the holiday season, realizing that family and friendship are the most important things in life.
“Friday After Next” is a raucous and irreverent comedy that delivers plenty of laughs and memorable moments. With its colorful characters, witty dialogue, and hilarious situations, the film offers a lighthearted and entertaining look at the ups and downs of life in the inner city during the holiday season.