Sometimes, a movie can take a little while to catch on, which was the case with the 2005 Christmas romantic comedyJust Friends. Although the film was only a moderate hit upon release, theRyan Reynolds-led comedy has gained traction over the years as a bit of a cult classic and a part of the Christmas movie rotation for some fans. This appears to have been the case this year asJust Friendsis making strides on streaming as Christmas approaches.
Just Friendsis currently ranked tenth onHulu’s Top 10 films. It would make sense for the movie to rise in popularity on streaming because fans probably watch many Christmas movies before the big holiday. The movie offers an easygoing viewing experience and is suitably romantic and funny. It features a talented ensemble cast that makes the most of the screenplay, written by Adam ‘Tex’ Davis.
Directed by Roger Kumble,Just Friendsfollows a formerly obese high school student named Chris Brander (Ryan Reynolds) who attempts to break out of the friend zone after reconnecting with his friend Jamie Palamino (Amy Smart) during a visit to his hometown for the Christmas holiday. In addition to Reynolds and Smart, the film starsAnna Faris, Chris Klein, and Christopher Marquette.
Just Friends Received Mixed Reviews Upon Release
Upon release,Just Friendswas released to mixed reviews, registering 43% on Rotten Tomatoes with a consensus that reads,“There are moments of mirth in this overly broad comedy, but mostly,Just Friendsis just not that funny.“Opening day moviegoers gave the film a decent “B-” but the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes shows that casual movie watchers enjoyed the movie more than critics at 71%.
Ryan Reynolds & Amy Smart Have a Just Friends Christmas Reunion in New Ad
Ryan Reynolds reunites with Just Friends co-star Amy Smart just in time for the Holidays for a new Aviation Gin ad.
After a so-so opening weekend of $9.1 million, opening in sixth place over the Thanksgiving holiday,Just Friendssaw decent legs at the box office, grossing $32.5 million domestically and $50.9 million worldwide by the end of its run. The film opened against some serious competition, having to contend with the second weekend ofHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the opening ofYours, Mine & Ours,the fourth strong weekend ofChicken Little, andRent.
In the years since its release,Just Friendshas becomean unconventional Christmas movie favoriteand has been shouted out on more than one occasion on social media as Christmas approaches. Personally, the film is worth a watch for Faris' performance alone. The comedy star steals the show as a pop singer named Samantha James, who desperately wants to date Chris despite his reluctance to do so after their only date landed him headed to the hospital. She leans into some hilarious pop star tropes and is the best thing about every scene she is in.
Just Friendsis currently streaming on Hulu.
Just Friends
