Rated PG-13 for some sexual content including some dialogue
Directed by Roger Kumble (The Sweetest Thing, Cruel Intentions)
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Anna Faris, Amy Smart…
In the spirit of Something About Mary or Meet the Fockers… here’s Just Friends, Roger Kumble’s (the director) first attempt at a film with less than an R rating.
The story starts in 1995 New Jersey in Chris’ bedroom. Chris is an overweight, high school senior who is in love with a girl who happens to also be his best friend, Jamie. Chris is devastated when Jamie seems to just want to be “best friends” … hence the title.
We now are warped to present day to see a skinny, successful Chris who seems to have any woman he desires. One event leads to another and Chris comes face-to-face with his old high school crush, the very woman whose rejection of him turned him into the successful womanizer he now is.
The film has some hilarious gags. The audience was roaring. I admit that the film was very creative. But its foul content put such a bad taste in my mouth I couldn’t enjoy the good stuff.
THE GOOD:
- The film really has some hilarious moments where you will be rolling in the isles.
- Anna Faris nails the role of a spoiled brat “Brittany Spears” or “Ashley Simpson” character, stealing most of the films hilarious moments.
- The gags are pretty original and funny.
THE BAD:
- The film is full of trampy characters talking about and showing you more than you need to be seeing and hearing. But the director and cast are used to this… I’m really surprised the film got the PG-13 rating.
- The film was funny, sure…like a dirty joke. The sexual content was over the top, and it was sprinkled with inappropriate conversation and language. There is no way I’d let my kids see this, and there’s no way I’d want teens seeing this. This film is American Pie without the nudity.
- The film was frustrating. Over 90% of the film showed our main characters doing the wrong things, saying the wrong things, and not getting what they wanted. Sometimes the audience needs to see SOMETHING go right.
- The film preached lies that kids don’t need to hear. In one moment, a man decides NOT to sleep with a woman. The next day everyone is talking about it and the consensus is, “What’s wrong with this man!” “Is he gay?” “Why wouldn’t someone do that- it just doesn’t make sense!”
I’ll be honest. Despite my 2 cents, audiences are really going to like this film. Today’s generation likes gross, is comfortable with sex, and is used to foul and profane. It’s really a sad commentary on where we’ve arrived as a people. If I just described you, go see it. You’ll love it.
Sorry. The funny gags just couldn’t save this one for me. My vote is “skip it.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Did you read what I just wrote above?
Side Note:
As said above, we recommend you skip this film. But on the occasion that your teen actually has already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
