Common Sense Media Review
Obnoxious rom-com about ex-high school friends.
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Just Friends
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the movie features a predictable plot and includes crude content that may disturb younger viewers, but many found it entertaining and nostalgic, especially those who watched it as children. While some viewers appreciated its humor and charm, others advised parental guidance due to its inappropriate elements, indicating it might be more suitable for older tweens and teens.
- predictable plot
- crude content
- entertaining
- nostalgic
- parental guidance
- humor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
JUST FRIENDS begins at high school graduation when overweight Chris (Ryan Reynolds) tells his friend Jamie (Amy Smart) that he wants to be "more than friends." But this isn't in the cards. Ten years later, Chris is a thin, successful L.A. music industry executive and callow ladies man. At Christmas time, he's transporting singer Samantha (Anna Faris), who wants to hook up with Chris, to Europe. When the plane is detained in New Jersey, Chris discovers Jamie working at a local bar, whereupon he decides that he'll "get even," by seducing and abandoning her. This leads to several awkward situations and physical humor. Soon, Chris realizes that he really does love her, and so endeavors to impress her in earnest. At this point, old rival for Jamie's affection shows up -- former stutterer Dusty Dinkleman (Chris Klein), who is now dashing and utterly devious.
Is It Any Good?
Perhaps the only nice thing that can be said about this boisterous romantic comedy, is that it isn't quite as desperately rude as Ryan Reynolds' other recent film, Waiting. But it pushes the PG-13 rating with vulgar language and situations.
Faris again demonstrates that she is fearless when it comes to physical stunts and comedic emotional excesses, making you wish that she might find a role that would allow her to stretch in other directions. Unfortunately, Samantha is Just Friends's primary butt of uninspired sexual titillation jokes, which leaves Jamie as the banal "good girl." Add to this line-up Chris's clueless mom, and the women in this movie are mostly props for the boys' violent humor and self-absorption.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Chris's efforts to overcome his high school reputation and the shame he felt when kids teased him. How does his younger, sweet, overweight self contrast with his 10-years-later "playboy" self? How does his relationship with genuine nice girl Jamie contrast with his distaste for self-involved Samantha?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 23, 2005
- On DVD or streaming : March 7, 2006
- Cast : Amy Smart , Anna Faris , Ryan Reynolds
- Director : Roger Kumble
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content including some dialogue.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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