Jai’Den Smith, Editor-in-Chief and Madison Huff, Staff Writer
SPOILER ALERT!!
Grab your friends and head to the nearest theater to see “One of Them Days” starring Emmy award-winning actress Keke Palmer and five-time Grammy winning singer/songwriter SZA- making her film debut! Rae, one of the many producers of the film, is best best-known for her hit HBO show “Insecure”.
“One of Them Days” follows best friends Dreux, played by Keke Palmer and Alyssa, played by SZA, as they race against time to avoid eviction after Alyssa’s boyfriend stole their rent money. Rae has done it again, bringing her comically fresh take on film and producing another hit. Audiences felt the film was a new age take on the hood classic, “Friday”, written and starring rapper/actor Ice Cube.
This friendship and road to success is anything but easy, as these two are in for one spectacular adventure. Dreux wants to be promoted to store manager for a restaurant, while Alyssa is an earthy girl who has a talent for painting.
Their friendship is tested when Alyssa irresponsibly gives their hard-earned money to her untrustworthy soon to be ex-boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal) who uses the money to start a new clothing brand. This puts them behind on rent and their strict landlord threatens to put all their belongings on the street if they cannot come up with $1500 by 6 p.m.
In one of their many hilarious attempts to get the money, the girls decide to give blood at their local blood bank. Dreux attempts to donate as much blood as she can to make more money and the inexperienced nurse Ruby, played by Janelle James of Abott Elementary, lets her.
The next time we see Dreux, she is so pale and weak from loss of blood, she looks one step away from the morgue. When Alyssa sees what has been done to her friend, she attempts to fight the nurse and they end up dropping and destroying all of the blood collected so she doesn’t even get paid.
That’s just one of many hilarious incidents that occur in the film that display the undeniable connection between Palmer and SZA, while also creating a world of laughter and twists and turns.
The pacing of the movie is a bit all over the place, but honestly, in its own way, it works. It matches the chaotic vibe of Dreux and Alyssa’s situation and with the high stakes, it never feels boring. Their crazy misadventures keep things fresh, funny, and suspenseful.
This film can be viewed by many audiences as many will find Aylssa and Dreux extremely relatable. Viewers will also enjoy how creative, funny, and carefree SZA’s characters is. She was considered the wild card in the friend group. Palmer’s character was the more hardworking, responsible and determined of the two.
Katt Williams, Vanessa Bell-Calloway and Lil Rel are just a few stars that popped up here and there to keep the funny misadventures coming.
Jaliyah Bailey-Ward, a freshman biology/pre-medicine major from Jackson, Miss.. shared her opinion on the movie.
“What I like is how they had black female leads. Keke and SZA make for a compatible team that plays well off of one another. The level of comedy varies throughout the film, but it’s still appealing and has enough players for story expansion. I’ll give it an 8 out of 10,” said Bailey-Ward.
Jermaine Rushing, a freshman economics major from Hattiesburg, Miss., shared his opinion from the male point-of-view on the film.
“From a guy’s perspective of a female-oriented movie, I truly enjoyed it. The mix of comedy while tackling the issues of modern economy and society was well executed. I’d give this movie a solid 7 out of 10,” Rushing stated.
According to Box Office Mojo, “One of Them Days” has made approximately $43.8 million domestically and $44 million worldwide as of the latest data available, with the majority of its earnings coming from domestic markets. This is more than double the film’s $14 million production budget.
In my opinion, “One Of Them Days” Is A Must See! I recommend you grab a friend and head out to see “One of Them Days”. It is a great film and deserves a solid shot in theaters.
