Just Friends (2005)

October 31, 2009

TBS Broadcast, Seattle, WA

*** / ****

By Scott Muoio

Just Friends surprised me. Here you’ve got a formulaic chick flick starring Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart, a pair with zero chemistry, and yet the film is interesting and hilarious throughout. I’ll be damned.

Reynolds stars as a young, hot shot music executive who loves ‘em and leaves ‘em at a pace that would make George Clooney blush. Even when saddled with the task of signing a rich 22 year-old bubble gum pop princess with “Artist” ambitions (played with brilliant abandon by Ana Faris) Reynold’s cocky stud muffin still calls the sexual shots. Apparently, he’s just that damn attractive.

However, like a sexual Superman, Reynolds has his kryptonite: an adolescent past where he was a chubby dork whose unrequited love for his best female friend (Smart) still has the power to render him goo goo and ga ga in love. So wouldn’t you know it (cue ridiculous plot contrivance), an emergency airplane landing sets in motion Reynold’s return to his New Jersey stomping grounds. With Farris in toe and the ghosts of his past figuratively and literally at every corner Reynolds meets and suitors his former obsession as he quickly degenerates to his 1995 self. With all the requisite catastrophes toppling his brittle macho man façade, and a goofy younger brother reminding him exactly who he used to be, real comedy ensues reminding us exactly why high school reunions are always hilarious. Hallelujah!

Now let’s be clear: a tired set-up like this has all the makings of producing a stinker. However, Just Friends overcomes the typical romantic comedy fall not merely by stuffing Reynolds in a fat (that is merely a gimmick for the marketing) but rather by stuffing itself with all sorts of goofy slapstick, hilarious one-liners, a quick pace, and enough character realism that it is almost completely without a single groan inducing moment. A movie solely about the romantic relationship that is funny, doesn’t pander, and has several surprises? Indeed, Just Friends is a unique anomaly and a much funnier movie than it has any right to be. Don’t tell anyone but… I loved it!

Director: Roger Kumble

Producer: Chris Bender

Writer: Adam “Tex” Davis

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, Anna Faris, Chris Klein, Chris Marquette

Original Music: Jeff Cardoni

Cinematographer: Anthony B. Richmond

Editor: Jeff Freeman