‘Just’ amusing, no more
We all knew Ryan Reynolds character in his new movie “Just Friends” at one point in time during our high school days.
Some of us were that character.
Reynolds (“Van Wilder,” “Waiting”) plays Chris Brander, an overweight nerd who is in love with one of the most popular girls in school who also happens to be his best friend.
Amy Smart (“Roadtrip,” “Rat Race”) plays Jamie Palamino and at the end of their senior year when Chris finally professes his love for her she tells him that she loves him too, like a brother.
This drives Chris away from New Jersey for good and out to Los Angeles so that he can become a good looking record executive and to never again be caught in the “friends zone.”
Chris tries to drive away any memory he had of Jersey until he mistakenly ends up back home for the holidays and runs into Jamie.
He picks up right where he left off after graduation, trying to hook-up with Jamie. This leads to some comical, awkward moments.
Although this isn’t Reynolds best movie it is still entertaining and the characters display great chemistry, so much so that you care about the outcome.
Ann Faris (“The Hot Chick,” “Scary Movie”) provides some good comic relief as Samantha James, a Paris Hilton-type character.
Also Chris Klein (“American Pie,” “Say It Isn’t So”) is great as Reynolds competition.
The funniest part of the movie is when Reynolds character at the beginning is practicing telling Jamie he loves her and starts singing All-4-One’s “I Swear” into the mirror.
We have all been there so don’t deny it.
Director Roger Kumble (“Cruel Intentions,” “The Sweetest Thing”) does a good job of showing what our home towns are like after college but he could’ve done a better job with the ending.
Reynolds is an up-and-coming star in Hollywood, so if you’re looking to take a break from finals studying, check out his latest film “Just Friends.”
