We've all had "One of Them Days." Tiring, crazy and exhausting don't even begin to describe the feeling of a day that's full of unpleasant surprises. But for leads SZA and Keke Palmer in this buddy comedy directed by Lawrence Lamont, their day was filled with downs and twists that blocked them from doing the one thing they wanted: pay their rent.
They go through highs and lows, all on a deadline to avoid getting evicted but also avoid getting killed by a potential gangster. Even with a very real issue at hand, both SZA and Palmer's characters take things lightheartedly.
SZA, who is known for chart-topping R&B and pop music, made her acting debut in this film. Although primarily an artist, SZA wonderfully portrays a chill, laid-back character that felt like an excellent combination of who she is in both real life and the movie. Palmer also plays her role spectacularly, sort of portraying the hardworking, more serious member of the duo.
The movie was full of silly moments, such as SZA climbing a telephone pole to grab vintage Jordans and eventually getting electrocuted. Though the movie was full of goofy scenes like those, it also reveals how hard it can be to make rent in America. Especially when it comes to stringent landlords, it can be strenuous to deal with work, life and other responsibilities all at the same time.
"One of Them Days" lends itself to the creative aspect of how the characters dealt with this difficulty through desperate attempts and last resorts. The film highlights how best friends work together to achieve their goal, but have to go through personal hurdles to solve this dilemma. It's a comedic, fun movie, and resembles the likes of Harold & Kumar, with buddies that have one goal in mind and go to any length to achieve it.
Watching the movie was a reminder to take things lightly, and that at the end of the day, everything will work itself out. Although it was solely comedy, it gave audiences a lesson on how to enjoy the process of figuring out life. Often, it really was never that serious to begin with.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Editor's note: The opinions presented in this review are the author's and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.
Edited by Andrew Dirst, Abigail Beck, Katrina Michalak and Natalia Jarrett.
Reach the reporter at gachatht@asu.edu.
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Gokul is a sophomore studying actuarial science. This is his fourth semester with The State Press.
