‘A Winning Throwback To The Day-In-The-Hood Comedy.’ Critics Have Seen One Of Them Days, And They’re All In On Issa Rae’s Buddy Flick

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The dynamic duo, Keke Palmer and SZA, are teaming up for the upcoming buddy comedy “One of Them Days,” produced by Issa Rae. This marks the first significant leading role in film for Palmer since her horror movie final girl stint in “Nope,” while SZA makes her debut as a film actor. Previews of the movie, scheduled for release in 2025, have sparked excitement with critics praising the chemistry and fun the stars bring to the screen.

As a diehard movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on the flick “One of Them Days.” In this film, Keke Palmer and SZA play roomies Dreux and Alyssa, who find themselves in a tight spot when Alyssa’s beau swipes their rental dough. With the clock ticking before they face eviction, they embark on a side-splitting adventure to quickly rake in some cash.

In her review for TopMob, Sarah El-Mahmoud praises the duo for bringing an infectious best friend vibe to the big screen and rates it 3.5 stars out of 5. She says: “This movie is a laugh-out-loud journey that’s relatable as can be, making it a must-watch!

In an era when mid-budget comedies are scarce in cinemas, One Of Them Days harks back to the golden days by offering a cheerful, enjoyable film experience. It puts forth a commendable, good-natured and entertaining attempt at reviving the comedy genre on the big screen.

According to Alison Willmore from Vulture, the film skillfully combines the weariness of its characters with the absurdity of their predicaments. Once more, Keke Palmer demonstrates her undervalued abilities, as highlighted by Willmore.

In watching One of Them Days, you find yourself questioning why Palmer isn’t a global megastar yet. However, the issue seems to be that she excels in comedy roles, which studios seldom produce these days. Despite moments when the script and pace falter, as they do occasionally, Palmer manages to draw laughter from her scenes with clever physicality and unique line deliveries.

According to Lovia Gyarkye of THR, Keke Palmer truly stands out in “One of Them Days,” and SZA, as a newcomer, equally impresses. Most notably, Gyarkye remarks that the strong bond between these characters evokes a sense of nostalgia for the deep female friendships that Issa Rae’s projects are renowned for. In addition, the critic adds:

One day’s worth of Them, produced by Issa Rae, is the type of mid-budget movie comedy that used to be more prevalent; unfortunately, TriStar opted for a January release, which is a pity as the film could have been a summer blockbuster. Its two captivating leads make it a must-watch in a theater, immersing oneself among an audience eager for fun. Palmer delivers an exceptional performance as Dreux, a diligent and pragmatic waitress aiming to manage her diner franchise. Her charisma and quick wit breathe life into this no-nonsense character, making her struggle to survive by the book endearing.

According to Owen Gleiberman from Variety, “One of Them Days” is reminiscent of the 90s-style comedy movies, similar to “Friday“. He describes the screenplay as having a “screwball spontaneity”, with Keke Palmer stealing the show and SZA making an impressive debut that sets the screen ablaze. In his review, Gleiberman emphasizes these points.

In “One of Them Days,” I found myself engrossed in the mystery of how the characters would manage their finances, interspersed with a ticking clock that occasionally paused the narrative flow, propelling me from one scenario to another. However, the core theme of this movie isn’t about the money conundrum; it’s about the fascinating individuals they encounter along the way. The film offers a charmingly warped depiction of a community where residents thrive on their lively chaos, never so over-the-top that it fails to elicit genuine laughter.

According to Adrian Horton from The Guardian, this film receives a rating of 3 stars and is described as having an entertaining yet uneven journey for the two main characters. The standout feature of the movie is undeniably the quick-witted conversations between the lead actresses. While the movie occasionally oversteps, it’s still worth considering a visit to the cinema. In Horton’s own words:

Adrian Horton’s review states that the movie he watched was bumpy but enjoyable, with the primary characters embarking on an uneven adventure. The actresses’ performances are the film’s most captivating aspect, particularly their fast-paced dialogue. At times, the movie might push boundaries, but this shouldn’t discourage viewers from going to see it in a theater. According to Horton:

In a lively, entertaining fashion, Palmer and SZA skillfully exaggerate what might otherwise seem forced or overly gimmicky scenarios – for instance, they tackle a payday loan with a sarcastic lender (Keyla Monterroso Mejia), engage in a spat with Keyshawn’s vindictive new girlfriend (Aziza Scott). Certain scenes, like a chaotic incident at a blood bank with an inept nurse (Janelle James from Abbott Elementary) or a mishap involving a gun-toting neighborhood troublemaker (Amin Joseph), veer too far or become overly cartoonish, pushing the boundaries beyond what’s necessary. Despite these occasional missteps, the journey is generally enjoyable, featuring a realistic and well-developed apartment community and an authentic, undiluted energy throughout.

This movie promises to be an exhilarating journey, and given the talents of Issa Rae, Keke Palmer, and SZA, that’s no surprise. Critics seem to concur, as the movie currently boasts a remarkable 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on reviews from 38 critics. If you’re ready for this exciting ride about the relatable struggle of paying rent, catch One of Them Days in theaters starting January 17.

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2025-01-17 04:37