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Higher education professional by day, writer and pop culture enthusiast by night. When he isn't writing for The Cinema Spot, Tristian can be found creating content for his YouTube and TikTok pages, or working on the young adult novel he has been trying to finish for the last three years.
It’s a fact that buddy comedies succeed or fail based on the strength of the duo’s chemistry. The duo must play off each other and balance one another out in a natural, charismatic, and entertaining way. Since their viral Saturday Night Live musical sketch, “Big Boys”, many have waited with great anticipation for a Keke Palmer and SZA-led film. Lawrence Lamont and Syreeta Singleton’s recently released comedy, One of Them Days, proves that the two figures in entertainment are a winning and hilarious pair.
Discussion
Dreaux Jones (Keke Palmer) is a waitress with big dreams of entering a managerial program, which will be the culmination of all her commitment and hard work. Her roommate, Alyssa (SZA), is a flaky but talented artist who is all about fun and living in the moment. Their lives take a chaotic but entertaining turn when Alyssa’s deadbeat boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua Neal), steals their rent money and flees. The roommates are given eight hours by their landlord to pay their rent or else. From there, a series of comedic misunderstandings take place and send the girls on one heck of an adventure.
One Of Them Days is wildly entertaining from the beginning to the end. Palmer and SZA’s natural chemistry is a driving force throughout the film. It keeps the audience engaged and rooting for the pair to succeed as they find themselves moving from one hilarious situation to another. Palmer brings tremendous heart and talent to her portrayal of the ambitious Dreaux. This protagonist is determined to make something of herself and is willing to work hard to get there. While her circumstances in life are not the best, she is determined to use her little resources to build a better future. The character’s kindness and resourcefulness make her admirable and easy to root for.
SZA’s portrayal of the artsy Alyssa is also well done. Alyssa is kind and encouraging and truly believes that Dreaux can accomplish anything and is determined to see her reach her full potential. Her loyalty to her friend makes the character instantly likable. While it’s clear that SZA is not as seasoned in acting as Palmer is, she manages to hold her own just fine.
Secondary Characters
In addition to the winning duo of Palmer and SZA, the story is also populated by an array of other colorful and zany side characters. Bernice (Aziza Scott) is a woman whom Keshawn has been seeing behind Alyssa’s back and develops her vendetta against the girls. Ruby (Janelle James) is an inept nurse who turns a visit to the blood bank into a horror movie. Lucky (Katt Williams) is a homeless man who constantly spouts nonsensical but hilarious advice; Bethany (Maude Apatow) is a helpful neighbor who has no idea how out of place she is; and Jameel (Dewayne Perkins) is a nosy neighbor, an unreliable hairdresser, and a hacker, all rolled into one.
Final Thoughts on Lawrence Lamont and Syreeta Singleton’s One of Them Days
Many of the film’s jokes poke fun at Black culture and stereotypes and land well for the type of movie this aims to be. However, many viewers may find the jokes wearing thin by the film’s conclusion. While I don’t think audiences will be offended, I suspect that they will find themselves wishing some of the jokes had been rewritten or omitted entirely.
Overall, One Of Them Days is a hilarious and entertaining watch that reaffirms that Keke Palmer and SZA are a comedic match made in heaven. The movie will leave audiences looking forward to this duo’s next cinematic outing.
3.5/5 stars
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Higher education professional by day, writer and pop culture enthusiast by night. When he isn't writing for The Cinema Spot, Tristian can be found creating content for his YouTube and TikTok pages, or working on the young adult novel he has been trying to finish for the last three years.
This article was edited by John Tangalin.