Thursday, March 28, 2024

'Friends' full of laughs

November 28, 2005
Amy Smart and Ryan Reynolds star in the romantic comedy "Just Friends." —

"Just Friends" won't change your life or surprise you with any plot twists, but it will make you laugh.

The film does what is aims to do: Create as many hysterical moments as possible. One-liners and physical comedy take the front seat in this roller costar-ride comedy.

Ryan Reynolds ("Van Wilder," "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle") plays Chris, a chubby high school student turned handsome businessman. Reynolds shines in the midst of constantly beating his younger brother up and playing hockey with a bunch of middle school-age kids.

The main love interest, Jamie, is played by Amy Smart ("Road Trip," "The Butterfly Effect"). Smart plays it straight, allowing the characters around her to deliver the funny.

One of the actresses working overtime to produce uproarious scenes is Anna Faris (all "Scary Movie" films). She plays Samantha James, an up-and-coming mindless pop star. Her character seems to be inspired by the intellectual powers of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears.

Overall, the film is funny and doesn't try to push any morals.


What's funny

Reynolds is really the gas that makes this film go. The movie is especially amusing because of the other characters' comedic chemistry with his leading persona.

Faris' exchanges with Reynolds are mindless, but hilarious since her absurdity mirrors his comedic pace. Comedy is all about timing and both Faris and Reynolds are recklessly driving over the speed limit.


No morals

If this film would've tried to push any family values, it would've lost its comedic edge. Fortunately, the movie sticks to its guns, which is goofy comedy, rather than overdoing any sort of fat-kid ethics.

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