The Cookout is a 2004 American comedy film directed by Lance Rivera, written by Ramsay Gbelawoe & Jeffrey Brian Holmes, and story by Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, and Mikey Martin. The film introduces Quran Pender as Todd Anderson and stars Ja Rule, Tim Meadows, Jenifer Lewis, Meagan Good, Jonathan Silverman, Farrah Fawcett, Frankie Faison, Eve, Danny Glover, and a special appearance by Latifah. It tells the story of a basketball player who has joined the New Jersey Nets which his parents celebrate with a family cookout at his new home while a former classmate comes up with a devious plot.