Parents' Guide to

Just Friends

By Cynthia Fuchs, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Obnoxious rom-com about ex-high school friends.

Movie PG-13 2005 96 minutes
Just Friends Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 13+

Based on 7 parent reviews

rakovan378
rakovan378 Parent of 13-year-old
October 11, 2022
age 15+

One of my favorites, but wouldn't let my 13 year old watch

It's a silly, quirky movie, and it's fun. I've watched it dozens of times over the years. I wouldn't let my child watch it until he's older because although in the end the message is sweet (between Chris and Jamie), throughout the messages aren't so great (fat shaming, references to being a "homo," revenge sex, etc). This is not a kids movie, but adults may enjoy it if you aren't looking for anything too serious.
Delamare4
Delamare4 Adult
June 16, 2021
age 13+

Hilarious fun!

I'm not sure why this movie is getting such terrible reviews. It's a very funny movie and Ryan Reynolds is at his comedic best. It's a great movie if you're looking for a good laugh. Lighthearted and fun. 10/10!
See all 7 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (7):
Kids say (13):

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
  • Studio: New Line
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Run time: 96 minutes
  • MPAA rating: PG-13
  • MPAA explanation: sexual content including some dialogue.
  • Last updated: March 2, 2023

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