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Just Friends

Play trailer Poster for Just Friends PG-13 2005 1h 34m Romance Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
43% Tomatometer 110 Reviews 71% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
High school student Chris Brander (Ryan Reynolds) loves his best friend, Jamie Palamino (Amy Smart). He finally confesses his feelings, but she tells him that she just wants to be friends, and he leaves town in shame. Ten years later, Chris is a successful record executive and involved with self-absorbed pop star Samantha James (Anna Faris). He still pines for Jamie, though, and when his plans to go to Paris for the holidays fall through, he returns to his hometown to try and win her heart.
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Just Friends

Just Friends

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Critics Consensus

There are moments of mirth in this overly broad comedy, but mostly, Just Friends is just not that funny.

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Critics Reviews

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Nathan Rabin AV Club 11/06/2019
This movie had some good ideas, but never gelled. Go to Full Review
Tim Grierson Screen International 07/23/2008
Despite a rich premise, Just Friends ultimately fails to live up to its early potential, settling into broad comedy that shortchanges the romantic possibilities. Go to Full Review
Helen O'Hara Empire Magazine 04/01/2006
3/5
Funnier than it has any right to be, thanks to Reynolds’ charisma and Faris's bubbleheaded blonde. Go to Full Review
Nick Rogers Midwest Film Journal May 24
3.5/5
A still-enjoyable cross between “Savage” Steve Holland films of the 1980s with mid-2000s bro comedy (for better or worse) and the sort of acceptably corny Christmas movie that swamps streamers every season. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy May 10
2.5/4
There were so many high-gross-out, low-IQ comedies made during the 2000s that it often felt like they rolled off a conveyor belt. Just Friends is exactly that sort of dumdum fare, yet it fares a bit better than most. Go to Full Review
David Nusair Reel Film Reviews 11/18/2020
1.5/4
The appealing (albeit familiar) premise is employed to distressingly (and predominantly) lackluster effect by Kumble... Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Joshua-Lee L. @Oyster7 Dec 26 Okay…looks this movie doesn’t get the love it deserves. Yes, it’s campy and delivers low-IQ jokes. However, it does the job providing a self-absorbed pop star and Ryan Reynolds in a fat suit. No one takes themselves too seriously and it’s a fun ride start to finish. See more Horror fan 4 Dec 24 The trio of Ryan, Amy and Anna drive this hilarious comedy to the finish line. Forgiveness!!! Tim Treakle See more Rob A Dec 24 Cringeworthy to be sure, but it had enough laugh-out-loud moments (plus a very crushable, girl-next-door leading lady) to merit a watch, especially for us rom-com fans. See more William R. @MileHighMilk Dec 10 Still holds up decent today. See more TheMovieSearch R @TheMovieSearch Dec 5 Just Friends is a breezy, lighthearted comedy that thrives almost entirely on Ryan Reynolds’ magnetic charm and sharp comedic timing. The film doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it offers enough goofy energy to keep it entertaining. Reynolds brings sincerity beneath the humor, though the screenplay often feels like it’s missing a stronger emotional core. Certain scenes rush through moments that could have added depth, leaving the story feeling slightly uneven. Still, the film’s holiday setting, playful tone, and memorable supporting characters help balance its weaker spots. Anna Faris steals several scenes with her over-the-top performance, adding a welcome burst of chaos. While the direction could have pushed harder to elevate the comedy or explore the characters’ relationships more fully, the movie remains an easy and enjoyable watch. Just Friends doesn’t stand out as a genre classic, but its warmth, humor, and nostalgia make it a reliably fun choice for casual viewing. See more Jennifer W. @JuicyWinnz Sep 27 One of the best comedy movies I have ever watched!! See more Read all reviews
Just Friends

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Movie Info

Synopsis High school student Chris Brander (Ryan Reynolds) loves his best friend, Jamie Palamino (Amy Smart). He finally confesses his feelings, but she tells him that she just wants to be friends, and he leaves town in shame. Ten years later, Chris is a successful record executive and involved with self-absorbed pop star Samantha James (Anna Faris). He still pines for Jamie, though, and when his plans to go to Paris for the holidays fall through, he returns to his hometown to try and win her heart.
Director
Roger Kumble
Producer
Chris Bender, Bill Johnson, Michael Ohoven, J.C. Spink, William Vince
Screenwriter
Adam "Tex" Davis
Distributor
New Line Cinema
Production Co
Just Friends Productions Inc., Cinerenta, Inferno Distribution, Benderspink
Rating
PG-13 (Sexual Content/Dialogue)
Genre
Romance, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 23, 2005, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 11, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$32.6M
Runtime
1h 34m
Sound Mix
Surround
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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