Friday Review

 

        The 90s presented an influx of new talent in terms of filmmaking. As I mentioned before with the Clerks review, there was a rise of independent films coming out that ushered in new directors. In between that, there were new African American directors that were spotlighting a new type of movies called Hood Films. I’ll talk about that later in the review. For now, here’s what I think about Friday. 

1. Craig

        Since the whole plot revolves on one day, we mostly focus on life in a South Central LA neighborhood. Specifically on a guy named Craig, who got let go from his job. We see him hanging out with his friend Smokey. Inevitably, we see them cross paths with the neighborhood bully Deebo. Making matters worse, Craig is roped into owing money to a drug lord. The whole neighborhood has a collection of characters, which I think is intentional since director F. Gary Gray didn’t want to portray the neighborhood as scummy. 

        What I like about Craig is that he’s probably the only normal guy throughout the whole neighborhood. He isn’t involved in anything illicit but is surrounded with a whole lot of colorful characters.  Like with his friend who peddles drug, and a former coworker who had his bike stolen. Nothing is ever normal as it’s just another day in the neighborhood. Craig is just a nice guy who lives with his stable family. Well, he does smoke a joint which prompts him to trip on his high.

        The one thing that has him down is that he can’t defend himself. Like, he can’t stand up for himself when Deebo swings by and intimidates him and his friend. There is one scene where it’s endearing, and it involves his dad. Craig goes for his gun and his dad stops him. Telling him to use his fists, since it’s established that Craig’s father used to be a boxer. And it’s brought up again near the end of the movie in the final fight. 

2. Hood Films

        I have briefly touched on Hood Films when I talked about the 80s classic Stand and Deliver. For those who don’t know, Hood Films are mostly movies focusing on the life of African Americans or other ethnic Americans in crime ridden or poor neighborhoods. There were films back in the 60s through the 80s that took place in that specific area, but they weren’t for a while classified as Hood Films. Since some films that had a mostly black cast and crew were which was classified as Blaxploitation or Mexploitation films. 

        It really exploded in the late 80s and the 90s with directors such as John Singleton, F. Gary Gray, and Spike Lee who made films that has an authentic look. It can be interpreted that it was branching off from the level of exploitation and pivoting to have some insight or social commentary. Films like Boyz' n the Hood, Do the Right Thing, and Menace II Society presented the harsh reality of the environment, while not dour but still keeping the reality of the situation in check. 

        What makes Friday unique is that it’s authentic and hilarious. We see how the comedy works when Craig or Smokey encounters anything that isn’t normal or just through casual talk. The synergy between them makes the film a classic in that it can’t be just listed as a hood, stoner, or buddy comedy. I think in one way the film can be a parody since it shows everything in a heightened way with the characters. But it’s probably true since it’s partially based on Ice Cube’s exploits in his youth.   

3. Legacy

        The film was a hit when it came out, and it became a classic in my generation. Especially with the phrase “Bye, Felicia” being part of our lexicon to dismiss anyone or a specific woman named Felicia. Even that, there’s a football player named after Deebo who has the villain’s music play when the 49ers are about to use him in a trick play. 

        It’s such a shame that the sequels couldn’t possibly live up to the first film’s success. The main problem is that both are missing Chris Tucker. He already made a name of himself in Hollywood and became a Christian when he decided to not do the role that got him famous. And it’s not the same when Craig is talking with someone, but lacks the same chemistry when Smokey is with him. 

4. Overall 

        Friday is a product of the time, or it’s timeless. It’s a hilarious movie that doesn’t shy away what goes on in a regular Friday.