One of Them Days (2025) Review: A Hilarious and Fast-Paced Comedy
One of them days review
Introduction
January is often a tricky month for movie lovers. While
we enjoy going to the theater, there’s always the risk of walking into a
complete disaster. However, so far, this January has been surprisingly decent,
with no outright terrible films. One of Them Days, directed by Lawrence
Lamont in his feature debut, is no exception. The film turned out to be an
absolute blast, exceeding expectations and delivering an entertaining theater
experience.
One Of Them Days Trailer
The Premise
The story follows two best friends and roommates, Drew
(Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA). Their lives take a chaotic turn when they
discover that Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money. With eviction
looming over them, the duo embarks on a wild, unpredictable adventure to gather
enough cash before it’s too late. This frantic race against time tests their
friendship and leads them into some extreme situations.
Keke Palmer’s Performance Shines
Many people first discovered Keke Palmer in her
Nickelodeon days with True Jackson, VP, but for me, it wasn’t until
Jordan Peele’s Nope that I truly recognized her talent. In One of
Them Days, Palmer delivers an incredibly charismatic and energetic
performance. She’s naturally funny, and much of her dialogue feels
improvisational, making her character feel even more authentic.
Her chemistry with SZA is fantastic, and the two bounce
off each other effortlessly. SZA, who plays Alyssa, also does a great job,
bringing her own brand of comedic timing to the mix. Together, they create a
dynamic duo that keeps the film engaging from start to finish.
Comparisons to Friday
The film carries a strong resemblance to F. Gary Gray’s
Friday (1995), another comedy about friends scrambling to gather money
under pressure. While Friday had higher stakes—where the protagonists
faced the threat of death—One of Them Days follows a more grounded but
equally chaotic premise with eviction as the looming consequence. Despite the
difference in stakes, the film has the potential to become a cult classic just
like Friday, thanks to its well-paced humor and strong character
dynamics.
The Energy and Atmosphere
From the very first scene, the film establishes its
tone and setting effectively. A voice on the radio mentions the scorching heat,
setting the stage for a long, exhausting, and hilarious day ahead. We then see
Drew working at a diner, where she knows every customer’s order by heart,
showing us just how competent she is at her job. Her ultimate goal is to secure
a managerial position elsewhere, highlighting her struggle to break free from
paycheck-to-paycheck living.
SZA’s character, on the other hand, is responsible for
most of the mishaps in the story. Every time they get close to securing the
money, she somehow finds a way to mess things up. While this can be frustrating
at times, it’s an essential part of her character arc, as she must confront the
reasons behind her repeated missteps.
Fast-Paced Storytelling
The film’s pacing is one of its greatest strengths. It
maintains a relentless speed, throwing joke after joke while keeping the
audience invested in the duo’s race against time. One of the best aspects of
time-constrained movies—whether they take place over one night or a few
hours—is how they maintain a sense of urgency. One of Them Days does
this exceptionally well, never allowing viewers to detach from the action.
There’s also an element of suspense woven into the
humor. Every time Drew and Alyssa get close to their goal, you can’t help but
think, “This is too early; something is bound to go wrong.” And, of course, it
does—but in the most entertaining ways possible.
Direction and Cinematography
Lawrence Lamont’s direction is impressive, especially
for a debut feature. The film is stylishly shot with dynamic cinematography
that enhances the comedic energy. It looks fantastic on the big screen, which
makes it even more disappointing that my theater was completely empty. This
movie deserves an audience!
Final Thoughts
One of Them Days is an incredibly funny, well-paced, and well-directed
film that benefits from outstanding performances by Keke Palmer and SZA. Their
chemistry is electric, and their comedic timing is spot-on. The film delivers a
blend of humor, tension, and heartfelt moments, making it a must-watch.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced comedy with strong
lead performances, go see One of Them Days. It’s an underrated gem that
deserves more attention, and I can’t wait to see what Lawrence Lamont does next
Summery
One of Them Days stars Keke Palmer and SZA in Lawrence Lamont’s
directorial debut. The film follows best friends Drew and Alyssa as they
scramble to recover their rent money after Alyssa’s boyfriend loses it. Palmer
shines with her charismatic, energetic performance, and her chemistry with SZA
is electric. The movie is fast-paced, packed with humor, and reminiscent of Friday,
blending comedy with tension. It effectively develops its characters through
action rather than exposition. With strong direction and engaging performances,
One of Them Days has the potential to become a cult classic. It’s a
must-watch for comedy lovers.
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