A buddy comedy that gives us throwback 90s/00s movie fun like Friday and Barbershop, One of Them Days delivers something the world could use right about now– a laugh-out-loud good time.
One of Them Days Review
You know what has been missing from the movies? A good comedy. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy action, thrillers, and although it's not my genre horror is growing on me. But growing up comedies were a staple. The 90s and early 00s boasted some of the best and ones still talked about to this day. Lately, comedies have become rare and sometimes the ones we do end up getting were better left on the cutting room floor. One of Them Days blessedly delivers what we've been looking for– a throwback buddy comedy that is actually funny. Although it is definitely in the same vein as Friday and Barbershop, it stands on its own thanks to director Lawrence Lamont and Syreeta Singleton's screenplay that sees two friends go through it as they just try to survive a day from hell.
One of Them Days is a laugh-out-loud film that is both a delightfully chaotic romp and heartwarming story about a solid friendship. Keke Palmer and Sza are a dynamic pair, bouncing off each other and the rest of the cast with ease. Palmer and Sza have a great energy, instantly making them feel like you could be friends with them as well. Even as the situations become more absurd, the film remains grounded with a script that doesn't shy away from the real life hardships the main characters are facing. From loan sharks to shady landlords to avoiding an ambulance bill at all costs, you feel for these women. You want to laugh with them, cry with them, and you definitely get angry for them.
It's the worst day ever for best friends Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (Sza). At first everything starts off normal, Dreux gets off from her overnight shift at a local restaurant, ready to go home, relax and prepare for an interview that will see her climb the corporate ladder and earn more money. What started as a day of promise quickly goes left when Dreux learns that Alyssa didn't pay their landlord Uche (Rizi Timane). Alyssa's boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal), has taken the money and disappeared. Threatened with eviction if they don't get the money by 6pm, Dreux and Alyssa race around L.A. trying to recoup their rent money in any way they can think of– payday loans, blood banks, and eBay scheming are a few options. However, the duo encounter other enemies that, unlike Uche, threaten more than just their home.
Palmer and Sza are comedic gold together, which may only be surprising if you have never watched Palmer in anything else. She is adept at turning the most random line or moment into something that will make you genuinely laugh. Her facial expressions alone are top-notch as are her reactions to the insanity unfolding around her. Early in the film, she encounters her crush Maniac (Patrick Cage) unexpectedly and she immediately begins to fall apart. Eyes looking around for an escape after her brain has her mouth saying some cringe-worthy things about honey buns. If you've ever felt at a loss for words around someone you really like, you will instantly feel for her while laughing at her the whole time.
This film marks Sza's acting debut and she handles herself well. Alyssa is more laidback and whimsical than Dreux, and Sza plays the role well taking her musical vibes and channeling them into the character. She has an unforced confidence and leans fully into the slapstick humor of Alyssa's life. Sza also knows when to let Palmer take the lead and these moments see the two actresses elevating each other. Their relationship is the heart of the film and Singleton's script never loses sight of that, even when someone is getting electrocuted Home Alone style.
Yes, these two get caught up in all types of obstacles on their quest to evade eviction. With each new situation, the women must pivot and rely on their brains and each other to see them safely through. Characters are introduced, seemingly at random, but they all end up coming into play later on. Her writing is smart, hilarious, and real. These best friends are a tight knit pair but at the same time, stress like this would cause damage to even the strongest friendship. One of Them Days explores the depth of love we have for our friends, while also staying true to “when is enough enough?” But this is a comedy after all and we know the two will make up in the end, which honestly, is what happens when your friendship is genuine.
The supporting cast is equally on the top of their game. No one has ever been denied, payday loan teller Kathy (Keyla Monterroso Mejia) tells them before doubling over laughing after seeing their credit scores. Meanwhile, Katt Williams appears as a homeless guardian angel named Lucky speaking the truth over their situation (much like he did at the beginning of 2024 for all of us). At the blood bank they meet Ruby (Janelle James) who is a stripper-turned-nurse, still trying to figure out how to insert a needle. Ruby is very much an Abbott Elementary Ava in another timeline.
As L.A. continues to deal with the devastating fires, One of Them Days acts as almost a testament to the determination of the people who live there. As the film reaches its climax, it speaks to what is happening out there, from gentrification to homelessness, to the lack of care given by those in power. It will offer some levity amidst the direness of reality faced by the residents of L.A.
Verdict
One of Them Days is a throwback buddy comedy that delivers one wildly fun good time at the movies. Palmer and Sza shine alongside a smart comedic supporting cast. Lamont has taken his talent for capturing the vibrancy and emotions of specific locations and brought it to the big screen. L.A. is as much where everything takes place as it is a character itself. Singleton's script is hilarious, heartfelt, and real where interactions never feel forced and the laughs flow with ease. If you're looking for a good girls' night out movie or needing to escape the stress of reality, One of Them Days has what you need.
One of Them Days is in theaters on January 17. The film is rated R for language throughout, sexual material and brief drug use with a runtime of 119 minutes.
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