You Won’t Believe What These Best Friends Do to Pay Rent!

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By 2025, it’s clear we’ll continue to witness blockbuster films featuring larger-than-life characters saving the world. Yet, wouldn’t it be intriguing sometimes to find these high-stakes figures grappling with everyday, familiar struggles instead? For instance, consider the challenge of scraping together rent money within a mere eight hours – a predicament many of us can relate to.

One Of Them Days

Debut Date: 17th January, 2025

At the Helm: Lawrence Lamont (Director)

Script by: Syreeta Singleton

Lead Actors: Keke Palmer, SZA, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, and Katt Williams

Rated: R for frequent use of strong language, adult themes, and brief depiction of drug use.

Running Time: Approximately 97 minutes

The narrative follows director Lawrence Lamont’s film “One Of Them Days” where, on the first day of the month, two long-term roommates in south Los Angeles discover their savings have been pilfered. Panicking to regain their funds, they venture around their neighborhood, leading to a series of humorous mishaps that escalate throughout. Despite being the most disastrous day for the protagonists, it’s a delightful cinematic experience for audiences, offering an opportunity to enjoy this fresh and intelligent new comedy.

On certain occasions, “One Of Them Days” offers not just a relatable real-life struggle, but also boasts the charismatic presence of Keke Palmer and the screen debut of Grammy-winning artist SZA. (What‘s beyond her capabilities?) Moreover, it marks the first feature films for two talents from HBO’s “Rap Sh!t”, including Lamont and Syreeta Singleton, who penned her initial feature screenplay with the support of producer Issa Rae. To be honest, “One Of Them Days” kicks off the new year with a powerful comedy that’s perfect for a day out with friends.

Keke Palmer And SZA have a ton of chemistry playing best friends who are down on their luck.

To put it frankly, some people might question the choice of pairing SZA with Keke Palmer in this film given that SZA has no acting experience prior to this. However, their on-screen chemistry is undeniably captivating. In the movie, Keke Palmer portrays Dreux, a waitress aiming to change her life by landing a job interview. Unfortunately, her opportunity is tarnished when her laid-back roommate Alyssa (SZA) makes an unfortunate error. She unknowingly hands her shady boyfriend, who’s been residing rent-free in their apartment for months, the rent money to give to the landlord. The problem arises when they discover the payment never reached its intended destination, and Alyssa’s boyfriend mysteriously vanishes at a crucial moment.

In a unique twist, the dynamic between Palmer and SZA in the film echoes the familiar pattern of opposites attracting, as seen in many buddy comedies, but they skillfully carve out their own distinct narrative. Instead of falling into predictable tropes, the movie manages to keep their relationship fresh and unconventional. Unlike traditional roles, Palmer steps beyond being just the straight man, while SZA demonstrates her acting prowess by matching Palmer’s performance. With her Grammy-winning reputation, SZA brings laughs galore to the film as Alyssa, but she avoids being stereotyped or overshadowed. Instead, she effectively portrays a genuine character that goes beyond the simplifications of “the dumb one.

Lawrence Lamont brings a light, stylish approach to his feature debut that makes the Los Angeles setting its own character.

Watching “One Of Them Days” is like overhearing a captivating yarn spun by two inseparable buddies who seem to find themselves in the thick of things, no matter when you run into them. There’s no deep philosophical message or ingenious plot twists; it’s merely an entertaining ride from start to finish. The debut director skillfully employs his vision and instincts not only to elicit engaging performances from Keke Palmer and SZA, but also from a gifted ensemble cast including Janelle James from “Abbott Elementary” and Katt Williams.

Furthermore, Lamont skillfully portrays Baldwin Village (also known as “The Jungles”) not just as a backdrop, but as a character in a heartwarming satire and tribute. The depiction strongly resembles ’90s films such as ‘Friday’ or ‘Do The Right Thing’. Despite the scenes being set amidst dilapidated apartment buildings, fast-food chicken outlets, parks, and strip malls, the filmmaking style exudes a lively and cheerful visual ambiance that reflects the movie’s lighthearted mood, even as it tackles serious situations.

In a straightforward yet engaging manner, the 97-minute comedy maintains a brisk tempo without any unnecessary fuss, inviting you into its realm. The film, titled One Of Them Days , exudes an authentic, everyday feel, allowing viewers to partake in shared jokes and providing a soothing outlook that motivates audiences to relax, laugh, and appreciate the delightful chaos unfolding on screen.

One Of Them Days flies by with a fun comedy premise that is a bright spot for the genre.

In a light-hearted manner, One Of Them Days doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it all the more enjoyable. For instance, we see Dreux and Alyssa encountering their only white neighbor in town, enrolling in a blood bank for some extra income, or seeking a loan from “Pay Whenever.”

One of the film’s sillier scenes involves Dreux and Alyssa being pursued by a character who, unfortunately, lingers too long in the storyline. This character becomes tiresome quickly, causing the humor to wane. However, when the climax arrives, the story takes an unexpected turn as the pair shift from addressing one major issue to confronting a larger antagonist. Initially, this twist can feel forced and contrived, as if it’s been added merely to escalate the stakes. But upon closer examination, it enhances the film by providing additional humorous moments in the finale.

Despite some initial reservations about the plot development feeling out of place, it ultimately strengthens One Of Them Days and adds humor to its conclusion. The movie effectively utilizes most of its characters and comedy beats by revisiting each one before the story concludes.

In an era when mid-budget comedies seem scarce in theaters and even rarer in production, I find myself reminiscing about the old days with “One Of Them Days.” This film manages to capture a cheerful, carefree vibe that’s a breath of fresh air. It makes a heartfelt and enjoyable attempt at resurrecting comedy on the big screen, striving to reignite the spark in this beloved genre.

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2025-01-16 17:07