Friday

Starring: Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Tony Lister, John Witherspoon, Anna Maria Horsford, Regina King, Paula Jai Parker, Faizon Love, Angela Means, Tony Cox, Bernie Mac, Meagan Good, Michael Clarke Duncan (uncredited)
Directed by: F. Gary Gray
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
1995

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Two friends (Ice Cube, Chris Tucker) hang out during a lazy Friday, but their day takes a turn when a drug dealer demands they pay him money owed by 10pm that night.

Review:
Tim: There's something so remarkable about Friday. It feels so authentic. This is very much due to the script written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh. It kind of amazes me that they wrote a story about two friends who spend most of the film sitting in front of their house and the movie is entertaining, compelling, and enjoyable. It's surprising how much fun we have watching these two watching and interacting with their crazy neighbors. This is a film that probably shouldn't have worked, but it does. The script deserves great credit, as does the direction of F. Gary Gray.

The movie works primarily because of its two leads. These characters are entertaining and funny, and brought to life by the right people. I'm not sure anyone would consider Ice Cube and Chris Tucker "great" actors, but they are both great in these roles. They bring a genuineness and authenticity to the roles. They truly seem like friends. Their chemistry together helps the movie immensely. They couldn't be more different, yet they still share a bond of friendship. I think many people can see themselves or friends they knew in these two characters. Tucker brought so much energy to his role- it was so fun to see him do that. Ice Cube was really effective, too- he has a way of connecting the audience- it's this hard outer shell with a softer vulnerability to his performance. I had a genuinely good time watching these two sit in front of a house, smoking or just talking about their neighbors. That works because of Cube and Tucker's performances. That's the biggest reason to see this movie, although there are multiple others as well.

You have to give credit to the supporting cast. There's an eclectic mix of characters, each with their own personality. As the film progresses, we get to know each of them and feel like we're inhabiting the neighborhood as well. Nia Long does a good job in her role. She was the right actress to bring this character to life. Tommy Lister is absolutely a standout- his Deebo is such a memorable character. He's ridiculous, but always stops before becoming a caricature. Every time he shows up, the movie is better for it. I loved how he never gets too much screen time at any one point but continually pops up throughout the film. That was the perfect way to leverage him. John Witherspoon stole the show as Mr. Jones. He felt so dad-like and funny. He added so much humor to the film. Regina King was solid, although I wish she had more to do. It was good to see Bernie Mac, but again, I wish he had a bit more screen time. As a whole, you walk away from the film feeling really impressed with the cast.

I really enjoyed how the film took a different approach. Not a whole whole lot happens for much of the movie, but it doesn't matter. You get caught up in these characters and their different neighbors. I was perfectly content just watching them amble through the day. The film does eventually give us some action with the whole drug dealer plot. That felt less effective to me. It was fine, but it was never as enthralling as two friends just sitting around. I wish the conclusion of the movie was a little stronger, although the fist fight is pretty memorable.

Friday could have easily not worked as a film. It's a testament to those involved that it succeeds so well. Ice Cube and F. Gary Gray captured something authentic about growing up in this kind of neighborhood. I personally never experienced it, but you get just the tiniest glimpse into that world in this film. It helps that the movie is funny and entertaining throughout. This movie is far better than anyone's expectations of it.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Next Friday