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Friday (film)
Encyclopedia
Friday is a 1995 stoner comedy-drama
-buddy film
directed by F. Gary Gray
. Starring Ice Cube
, Chris Tucker
, Nia Long
, Bernie Mac
, Tommy Lister, Jr. and John Witherspoon
, the film revolves around 16 hours in the lives of unemployed slackers Craig Jones (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker), who must pay a drug dealer $200 on Friday night by 10:00 PM.
) and Smokey (Chris Tucker
), in South Central Los Angeles, California. Craig has recently been fired from his job while attempting to collect his wages, as he was allegedly caught on camera stealing cardboard boxes from UPS, although he claims innocence. Exacerbating his dilemma, his father, Mr. Jones (John Witherspoon
), attempts to persuade Craig to join him in becoming a dog catcher. Meanwhile, Craig has been eyeing pretty neighbor Debbie (Nia Long
), but his insanely jealous girlfriend Joi (Paula Jai Parker
) is a formidable obstacle.
Throughout the day, friends and local neighborhood characters pass through, such as the harmless but always-scheming crack head and petty thief Ezal (Anthony Johnson
); the unkempt, perpetual crack head/moocher Felisha (Angela Means), who is also Debbie's sister; lascivious Pastor Clever (Bernie Mac
), who has a brief fling with sultry parishioner Mrs. Parker (Kathleen Bradley
) before being unexpectedly interrupted by her infuriated, diminutive dwarf husband (Tony Cox); package delivery driver Red (DJ Pooh
), whose stolen bicycle, chain necklace and black eye are courtesy of the hulking neighborhood bully Deebo (Tommy Lister, Jr.); and Shana (Terri J. Vaughn
), friend of Craig's sister Dana (Regina King
).
The film's subplot focuses on Craig's stoner friend Smokey (Chris Tucker
), who has been smoking a brokered consignment of indo
, which he was supposed to be selling for drug dealer Big Worm (Faizon Love
). In an attempt to explain his obvious lack of revenue, Smokey inadvertently incriminates Craig, subjecting both to Big Worm's wrath. Big Worm has had enough of Smokey "playing with his emotions" and warns him to collect the $200 dollars worth of drugs no later than 10:00 that evening, or he and Craig will be killed. Later on, the two plan how they are going to get Big Worm's money. By then, Rita (Yvette Wilson
), a girl Debbie had hooked Smokey up with earlier on the phone, arrives. Smokey approaches her car with confidence until he finds out that she lied about her image; instead of resembling Janet Jackson
like she said, she is portly and practically bald.
Smokey heads to Debbie's house to complain about the date and notices Red's bike, which has been stolen by Deebo, on the lawn. He sneaks into a bedroom and finds Deebo asleep with Felisha beside him. He tries to steal the rest of the money that he and Deebo lifted from robbing Craig's neighbor Stanley (Ronn Riser) earlier, but quickly leaves without the money as Deebo wakes up due to Ezal making noise as he tried to sneak inside the bedroom. Smokey goes back to Craig's house to tell him about the available money. Craig agrees to return to Debbie and Felisha's house to steal it from Deebo.
On the way, the two notice a black car driving slowly down the street and they hide behind a tree, suspecting a possible drive-by will occur. They settle back into Craig's room for about an hour, trying to get in touch with Big Worm. They decide to go back outside to prove they are not scared. Once outside, they notice a black van parked outside in the middle of the street with the headlights off. The two flee as the men in the van start shooting at them
with submachine guns, ultimately landing in the back of a pick up truck where they remain safe.
Everyone in the neighborhood emerges from their homes as they hear the gunshots. Debbie confronts Deebo for physically assaulting Felisha. Deebo tells her that Felisha was trying to steal money from his pants, falsely accusing her for Smokey's earlier attempted theft, and warns her to go home. She continues to lambast Deebo until he slaps her in the face. At this moment, Craig and Smokey arrive on the scene and Craig immediately steps in to defend Debbie. He stands up to Deebo and threatens him with a gun that he acquired earlier. Craig is convinced by his father to hand the gun over to him. Craig and Deebo then engage in a bare-knuckle brawl. After a brutal fight, Craig emerges as the victor. Debbie tends to Craig, while Smokey steals money from the unconscious Deebo, Red retrieves his chain and bicycle, and Ezal steals Deebo's shoes.
In the end, Craig has seemingly overcome all of the day's tribulations, save for finding employment. He and Debbie seem to hook up in the end, leading Craig to break up with Joi over the phone. Later, Smokey has a talk with Big Worm over the phone stating how he didn't appreciate him sending his crew to shoot at him and Craig. Big Worm explains that he had to warn Smokey too many times about his money and that it was all about the principle of handling business. Smokey says he got the $200 that he owes Big Worm and that Big Worm should deal weed himself next time, as he is going to rehab. After hanging up, Smokey looks up, lights up a joint and ends the film by shouting at the audience, "I was just bullshittin'! And you know this, man!"
Friday was released on April 26, 1995 in the United States, June 30, 1995 in the United Kingdom and October 5, 1995 in Australia.
It was released on DVD on March 2, 1999 and on Blu-ray on September 8, 2009 with a new director's cut. The single disc DVD contains a theatrical trailer, a featurette on the movie and cast and crew interviews.
, and on Metacritic
the film has received an average score of 54, based on 10 reviews.
in 865 theaters, averaging $7,617 per theater. The film has grossed $27,467,564 in North America
and $748,354 in the Foreign box office with a total of $28,215,918 worldwide.
Drama film
A drama film is a film genre that depends mostly on in-depth development of realistic characters dealing with emotional themes. Dramatic themes such as alcoholism, drug addiction, infidelity, moral dilemmas, racial prejudice, religious intolerance, poverty, class divisions, violence against women...
-buddy film
Buddy film
The buddy film is a film genre in which two people of the same sex are paired. The two often contrast in personality, which creates a different dynamic onscreen than a pairing of two people of the opposite sex. The contrast is sometimes accentuated by an ethnic difference between the two...
directed by F. Gary Gray
F. Gary Gray
Felix Gary Gray is an American music video and film director.-Life and career:Gray began his career in 1992 with his music video for Ice Cube's "It Was a Good Day." The video, a literal adaptation of the lyrics, was critically well received. He would go on to direct subsequent videos for Ice Cube,...
. Starring Ice Cube
Ice Cube
O'Shea Jackson , better known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer,...
, Chris Tucker
Chris Tucker
Christopher "Chris" Tucker is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for playing the role of Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour film series.-Early life:...
, Nia Long
Nia Long
Nia Talita Long is an American actress and occasional music video director. She is best known for her roles in the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Third Watch, and the films Boiler Room, Soul Food, Love Jones, The Best Man, Big Momma's House, Big Momma's House 2, Are We There...
, Bernie Mac
Bernie Mac
Bernard Jeffrey McCullough , better known by his stage name, Bernie Mac, was an American actor and comedian. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Mac gained popularity as a stand-up comedian. He joined comedians Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D. L...
, Tommy Lister, Jr. and John Witherspoon
John Witherspoon (actor)
John Witherspoon is an American comedian and actor who has had roles in over 28 movies and 20 television shows. Mostly known for the "Friday" series, he has been acting for over three decades and starred in shows such as Hollywood Shuffle , Boomerang...
, the film revolves around 16 hours in the lives of unemployed slackers Craig Jones (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker), who must pay a drug dealer $200 on Friday night by 10:00 PM.
Plot summary
The film takes a look at one single Friday in the life of two friends, Craig Jones (Ice CubeIce Cube
O'Shea Jackson , better known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer,...
) and Smokey (Chris Tucker
Chris Tucker
Christopher "Chris" Tucker is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for playing the role of Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour film series.-Early life:...
), in South Central Los Angeles, California. Craig has recently been fired from his job while attempting to collect his wages, as he was allegedly caught on camera stealing cardboard boxes from UPS, although he claims innocence. Exacerbating his dilemma, his father, Mr. Jones (John Witherspoon
John Witherspoon (actor)
John Witherspoon is an American comedian and actor who has had roles in over 28 movies and 20 television shows. Mostly known for the "Friday" series, he has been acting for over three decades and starred in shows such as Hollywood Shuffle , Boomerang...
), attempts to persuade Craig to join him in becoming a dog catcher. Meanwhile, Craig has been eyeing pretty neighbor Debbie (Nia Long
Nia Long
Nia Talita Long is an American actress and occasional music video director. She is best known for her roles in the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Third Watch, and the films Boiler Room, Soul Food, Love Jones, The Best Man, Big Momma's House, Big Momma's House 2, Are We There...
), but his insanely jealous girlfriend Joi (Paula Jai Parker
Paula Jai Parker
Paula Jai Parker is an American actress and comedian. She is best known of her roles as Lexus in Hustle & Flow, Joi in Friday, and as the voice of matriarch Trudy Proud on the Disney Channel animated sitcom The Proud Family....
) is a formidable obstacle.
Throughout the day, friends and local neighborhood characters pass through, such as the harmless but always-scheming crack head and petty thief Ezal (Anthony Johnson
Anthony Johnson (actor)
Anthony Johnson, sometimes credited as A. J. Johnson, is an American actor and comedian. He got his start in acting when he starred in House Party in 1990 as E.Z.E. He then went on to appear in other urban films. In 1992 he appeared in Dr. Dre's video "Dre Day", in which he was portraying Sleazy-E,...
); the unkempt, perpetual crack head/moocher Felisha (Angela Means), who is also Debbie's sister; lascivious Pastor Clever (Bernie Mac
Bernie Mac
Bernard Jeffrey McCullough , better known by his stage name, Bernie Mac, was an American actor and comedian. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Mac gained popularity as a stand-up comedian. He joined comedians Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D. L...
), who has a brief fling with sultry parishioner Mrs. Parker (Kathleen Bradley
Kathleen Bradley
Kathleen Bradley is a former model primarily known as a "Barker's Beauty" on the daytime game show The Price Is Right from 1990 to 2000...
) before being unexpectedly interrupted by her infuriated, diminutive dwarf husband (Tony Cox); package delivery driver Red (DJ Pooh
DJ Pooh
DJ Pooh is an American record producer, rapper, screenwriter and film director.-Biography:...
), whose stolen bicycle, chain necklace and black eye are courtesy of the hulking neighborhood bully Deebo (Tommy Lister, Jr.); and Shana (Terri J. Vaughn
Terri J. Vaughn
Terri J. Vaughn is an American film and television actress. She is best known for her role as high school secretary Lovita Alizé Jenkins-Robinson on the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show. Vaughn also portrayed first-grade teacher Jonelle Abrahams on the UPN/CW sitcom All of Us...
), friend of Craig's sister Dana (Regina King
Regina King
Regina King is an American film and television actress. She is well known for her role as Mary Jenkins's studious daughter, Brenda Jenkins, on the 1980s sitcom, 227, and for her critically acclaimed supporting role in the feature film Jerry Maguire...
).
The film's subplot focuses on Craig's stoner friend Smokey (Chris Tucker
Chris Tucker
Christopher "Chris" Tucker is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for playing the role of Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour film series.-Early life:...
), who has been smoking a brokered consignment of indo
Cannabis (drug)
Cannabis, also known as marijuana among many other names, refers to any number of preparations of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or for medicinal purposes. The English term marijuana comes from the Mexican Spanish word marihuana...
, which he was supposed to be selling for drug dealer Big Worm (Faizon Love
Faizon Love
Faizon Andre Love is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for roles in the films Friday, Elf, Made, and Couples Retreat.-Life and career:...
). In an attempt to explain his obvious lack of revenue, Smokey inadvertently incriminates Craig, subjecting both to Big Worm's wrath. Big Worm has had enough of Smokey "playing with his emotions" and warns him to collect the $200 dollars worth of drugs no later than 10:00 that evening, or he and Craig will be killed. Later on, the two plan how they are going to get Big Worm's money. By then, Rita (Yvette Wilson
Yvette Wilson
Yvette Wilson in Los Angeles, California is an American comedian and actress. She is best known for her role as Andell Wilkerson on the UPN sitcom Moesha and its spinoff The Parkers. She has appeared on many comedy films such as House Party 2, House Party 3, Friday, and on Russell Simmons' Def...
), a girl Debbie had hooked Smokey up with earlier on the phone, arrives. Smokey approaches her car with confidence until he finds out that she lied about her image; instead of resembling Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson
Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American recording artist and actress. Known for a series of sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows, television and film roles, she has been a prominent figure in popular culture for over 25 years...
like she said, she is portly and practically bald.
Smokey heads to Debbie's house to complain about the date and notices Red's bike, which has been stolen by Deebo, on the lawn. He sneaks into a bedroom and finds Deebo asleep with Felisha beside him. He tries to steal the rest of the money that he and Deebo lifted from robbing Craig's neighbor Stanley (Ronn Riser) earlier, but quickly leaves without the money as Deebo wakes up due to Ezal making noise as he tried to sneak inside the bedroom. Smokey goes back to Craig's house to tell him about the available money. Craig agrees to return to Debbie and Felisha's house to steal it from Deebo.
On the way, the two notice a black car driving slowly down the street and they hide behind a tree, suspecting a possible drive-by will occur. They settle back into Craig's room for about an hour, trying to get in touch with Big Worm. They decide to go back outside to prove they are not scared. Once outside, they notice a black van parked outside in the middle of the street with the headlights off. The two flee as the men in the van start shooting at them
Drive-by shooting
A drive-by shooting is a form of hit-and-run tactic, a personal attack carried out by an individual or individuals from a moving or momentarily stopped vehicle without use of headlights to avoid being noticed. It often results in bystanders being shot instead of, or as well as, the intended target...
with submachine guns, ultimately landing in the back of a pick up truck where they remain safe.
Everyone in the neighborhood emerges from their homes as they hear the gunshots. Debbie confronts Deebo for physically assaulting Felisha. Deebo tells her that Felisha was trying to steal money from his pants, falsely accusing her for Smokey's earlier attempted theft, and warns her to go home. She continues to lambast Deebo until he slaps her in the face. At this moment, Craig and Smokey arrive on the scene and Craig immediately steps in to defend Debbie. He stands up to Deebo and threatens him with a gun that he acquired earlier. Craig is convinced by his father to hand the gun over to him. Craig and Deebo then engage in a bare-knuckle brawl. After a brutal fight, Craig emerges as the victor. Debbie tends to Craig, while Smokey steals money from the unconscious Deebo, Red retrieves his chain and bicycle, and Ezal steals Deebo's shoes.
In the end, Craig has seemingly overcome all of the day's tribulations, save for finding employment. He and Debbie seem to hook up in the end, leading Craig to break up with Joi over the phone. Later, Smokey has a talk with Big Worm over the phone stating how he didn't appreciate him sending his crew to shoot at him and Craig. Big Worm explains that he had to warn Smokey too many times about his money and that it was all about the principle of handling business. Smokey says he got the $200 that he owes Big Worm and that Big Worm should deal weed himself next time, as he is going to rehab. After hanging up, Smokey looks up, lights up a joint and ends the film by shouting at the audience, "I was just bullshittin'! And you know this, man!"
Cast
- Ice CubeIce CubeO'Shea Jackson , better known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer,...
- Craig - Chris TuckerChris TuckerChristopher "Chris" Tucker is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for playing the role of Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour film series.-Early life:...
- Smokey - Nia LongNia LongNia Talita Long is an American actress and occasional music video director. She is best known for her roles in the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Third Watch, and the films Boiler Room, Soul Food, Love Jones, The Best Man, Big Momma's House, Big Momma's House 2, Are We There...
- Debra known as Debbie - Tiny "Zeus" Lister, Jr. - Deebo
- John WitherspoonJohn Witherspoon (actor)John Witherspoon is an American comedian and actor who has had roles in over 28 movies and 20 television shows. Mostly known for the "Friday" series, he has been acting for over three decades and starred in shows such as Hollywood Shuffle , Boomerang...
- Pops - Anna Maria HorsfordAnna Maria HorsfordAnna Maria Horsford is an American television and film actress. She is perhaps best known for her role as Thelma Frye on the sitcom Amen, her role as Craig Jones' mother, Betty Jones, in the 1995 comedy, Friday and the 2002 comedy Friday After Next and as security guard Dee on The Wayans Bros.,...
- Mrs. Jones - Regina KingRegina KingRegina King is an American film and television actress. She is well known for her role as Mary Jenkins's studious daughter, Brenda Jenkins, on the 1980s sitcom, 227, and for her critically acclaimed supporting role in the feature film Jerry Maguire...
- Dana - Paula Jai ParkerPaula Jai ParkerPaula Jai Parker is an American actress and comedian. She is best known of her roles as Lexus in Hustle & Flow, Joi in Friday, and as the voice of matriarch Trudy Proud on the Disney Channel animated sitcom The Proud Family....
- Joi - Faizon LoveFaizon LoveFaizon Andre Love is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for roles in the films Friday, Elf, Made, and Couples Retreat.-Life and career:...
- Big Worm - DJ PoohDJ PoohDJ Pooh is an American record producer, rapper, screenwriter and film director.-Biography:...
- Red - Angela Means - Felisha
- Vickilyn ReynoldsVickilyn ReynoldsVickilyn Reynolds is an American film and television actress and singer.-Biography:Vickilyn Reynolds, an African-American, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She first appeared on television in 1987 where she appeared on Kate & Allie, the following year she had appeared in two films,...
- Joann - Ronn Riser - Stanley
- Kathleen BradleyKathleen BradleyKathleen Bradley is a former model primarily known as a "Barker's Beauty" on the daytime game show The Price Is Right from 1990 to 2000...
- Mrs. Parker - Tony Cox - Mr. Parker
- Anthony JohnsonAnthony Johnson (actor)Anthony Johnson, sometimes credited as A. J. Johnson, is an American actor and comedian. He got his start in acting when he starred in House Party in 1990 as E.Z.E. He then went on to appear in other urban films. In 1992 he appeared in Dr. Dre's video "Dre Day", in which he was portraying Sleazy-E,...
- Ezail Crack Head - Demetrius Navarro - Hector
- Jason Bose Smith - Lil Chris
- Bernie MacBernie MacBernard Jeffrey McCullough , better known by his stage name, Bernie Mac, was an American actor and comedian. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Mac gained popularity as a stand-up comedian. He joined comedians Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D. L...
- Pastor Clever - Justin Revoner - Kid #1
- Meagan GoodMeagan GoodMeagan Monique Good is an American film and television actress and occasional film producer. Beginning her career at the age of four, Good has appeared in numerous commercials, television shows, feature films, and music videos....
- Kid #2 - Lawanda PageLaWanda PageLaWanda Page , born Alberta Peal, was an American actress and comedienne best known for her portrayal of Aunt Esther in the 1970s TV sitcom Sanford and Son.-Early life and career:...
- Old Lady - Terri J. VaughnTerri J. VaughnTerri J. Vaughn is an American film and television actress. She is best known for her role as high school secretary Lovita Alizé Jenkins-Robinson on the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show. Vaughn also portrayed first-grade teacher Jonelle Abrahams on the UPN/CW sitcom All of Us...
- Shana - F. Gary GrayF. Gary GrayFelix Gary Gray is an American music video and film director.-Life and career:Gray began his career in 1992 with his music video for Ice Cube's "It Was a Good Day." The video, a literal adaptation of the lyrics, was critically well received. He would go on to direct subsequent videos for Ice Cube,...
- Man sweeping at corner store - Yvette WilsonYvette WilsonYvette Wilson in Los Angeles, California is an American comedian and actress. She is best known for her role as Andell Wilkerson on the UPN sitcom Moesha and its spinoff The Parkers. She has appeared on many comedy films such as House Party 2, House Party 3, Friday, and on Russell Simmons' Def...
- Rita - William L. Calhoun, Jr.WC (rapper)William L. Calhoun Jr. , better known by his stage name WC , is an American rapper. He was born in Texas, but moved to South Central Los Angeles at an early age. He originally was a rapper in the group Low Profile, and later formed his group WC and the Maad Circle, which also included fellow rapper...
- Shooter - Reynaldo ReyReynaldo Rey-Biography:Rey was born Harry Reynolds in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma. He is of African American and Native American descent. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State Teacher's College, majoring in Education.-Filmography:...
- Red's Father - Michael Clarke DuncanMichael Clarke DuncanMichael Clarke Duncan is an American actor, best known for his breakout role as John Coffey in The Green Mile, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.- Early life :...
- Craps Player (uncredited)
Release
It was released on DVD on March 2, 1999 and on Blu-ray on September 8, 2009 with a new director's cut. The single disc DVD contains a theatrical trailer, a featurette on the movie and cast and crew interviews.
Reception
The movie garnered mostly positive reviews by critics, earning 77% favorable reviews according to Rotten TomatoesRotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a website devoted to reviews, information, and news of films—widely known as a film review aggregator. Its name derives from the cliché of audiences throwing tomatoes and other vegetables at a poor stage performance...
, and on Metacritic
Metacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
the film has received an average score of 54, based on 10 reviews.
Box office
Friday grossed $6,589,341 on its opening weekend debuting at #2 in the box officeBox office
A box office is a place where tickets are sold to the public for admission to an event. Patrons may perform the transaction at a countertop, through an unblocked hole through a wall or window, or at a wicket....
in 865 theaters, averaging $7,617 per theater. The film has grossed $27,467,564 in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
and $748,354 in the Foreign box office with a total of $28,215,918 worldwide.