MOVIE REVIEW: ONE OF THEM DAYS

 

When her boyfriend takes her rent money, Alyssa and her roommate race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.

Director: Lawrence Lamont

Cast: Keke Palmer, SZA, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott, Patrick Cage

Release Date: January 17, 2025

Genre: Comedy

Rated R for language throughout, sexual material and brief drug use.

Runtime: 1h 37m

Review:

One of Them Days is a throwback to 90's comedies like Friday as we follow our central duo through a series madcap situation as they try to get their rent money before the end of the day.  Lawrence Lamont's film has a steady, breezy pace for the better part of its runtime that rarely lingers too long on any situation.  He gives the entire set up a fun, lived in feel with each location populated by a fun collection of characters.  Some are a bit more cartoonish than others but for the most part it works and gives them a varied collection of characters to play off.  The film wouldn't work nearly as well as it does if the central duo didn't share any sort of chemistry together.  Thankfully Keke Palmer and SZA make for a strong onscreen pairing with their excellent comedic timing and onscreen chemistry.  Palmer is the known commodity of the two and she's perfectly comfortable in her role from start to finish by bringing her natural, likable charisma to the role.  SZA is the real surprise with her naturalistic turn that gives their relationship an air of authenticity even during some of the film's wackier moments.  The pair work off each incredibly well and serve as the film's beating heart throughout as they manage to find some moments of real emotion between the pair.  There are a few clunky moments, particularly in the film's final act, but it doesn't keep One of Them Days from being a refreshing comedic surprise.  

B+