Watch Friday
- 2016
- 1 hr 23 min
Friday is a 1995 stoner comedy film directed by F. Gary Gray, written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh, and starring Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, and Nia Long. The film follows Craig Jones (played by Ice Cube), an unemployed young man who gets fired on his day off and spends the whole day hanging out on the porch with his friend Smokey (played by Chris Tucker), smoking weed, and dealing with various neighborhood characters who drop by.
The film is set in South Central Los Angeles in the early 1990s, against the backdrop of the crack epidemic and police brutality. It begins with Craig and Smokey waking up on a typical Friday morning, smoking a joint, and talking about their plans for the day. Craig is planning to look for a job, while Smokey is supposed to be watching over a drug dealer's stash, but ends up smoking most of it himself.
As the day progresses, various colorful characters enter the picture, including Deebo (played by Tom Lister Jr.), a bully who terrorizes the neighborhood, Mr. Parker (played by John Witherspoon), Craig's overbearing father, and Big Worm (played by Faizon Love), the drug dealer who wants his money back from Smokey.
The film is filled with memorable scenes and lines, such as Smokey's iconic "You got knocked the f*** out!" after Deebo knocks out a random passerby, and Mr. Parker's "You gonna eat your cornbread?" before taking Craig's food. It also features a memorable soundtrack that blends hip hop, R&B, and funk, with songs by Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Cypress Hill, and many others.
At its core, Friday is a comedy about friendship, community, and survival in the face of adversity. Craig and Smokey may seem like aimless stoners, but they are also loyal friends who watch each other's backs and stick together through thick and thin. They also provide a window into the lives of the people who live in South Central, a community often stereotyped and misunderstood in mainstream media.
Despite its comedic tone, Friday also touches on serious issues such as police brutality and the impact of drugs on communities. In one scene, Craig and Smokey witness a drive-by shooting by the police, which leads to a heated debate about the use of force and the lack of justice for black people in America. In another scene, Craig's sister (played by Nia Long) confronts him about his use of drugs and encourages him to take responsibility for his life.
Overall, Friday is a classic film that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its mix of humor, music, and social commentary make it a cultural touchstone for a generation of viewers who grew up in the 1990s, while its themes of resilience and community make it a timeless story that speaks to people from all walks of life.
Friday is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes.