Just Friends

...the "Friend Zone." We've all been in Chris, the main character's, shoes.

The storyline isn't deep - and it's not intended to be. The plot is simple: Guy secretly pines for his best friend, but he's chubby and considered nothing but a friend. After graduating high school, he goes to L.A. to pursue a career, slims down and becomes wealthy and then surprisingly returns home to N.J. only to reunite with his former unrequited love. Despite how successful Chris is in his new life, at his core he's the same and the object of his affection still makes him nervous. Does he pull his head out of his butt and win the girl or does he go back to L.A.? I won't spoil it. But I will say this - See this movie. It's full of laughs and we can all relate to Chris. His family dynamics are hilarious and I guarantee you'll think, if you have siblings, "I've done that". See this flick for entertainment, not for the answer to life's greatest questions. Expect nothing and enjoy everything.

Chris (Ryan Reynolds) was the fat kid in high school. Nevertheless, his best friend was the all-American beauty, Jamie (Amy Smart). The night of Jamie's graduation party turns way ugly for Chris, however, and he leaves New Jersey for California without a look in the rear view mirror. Years later, Chris is a big music executive who accidentally gets grounded in his former hometown. There, Chris reconnects with his ditzy mother and his hormone-crazed little brother. But there is one big difference...Chris is buff and attractive! A chance reunion with Jamie at the local pub leaves Chris knowing he is still charmed by her. Does he have any hope of winning her this time around?

This film is the type of movie doctors prescribe for their depressed patients. The laughs never stop and the performers are charming. Reynolds and Smart score big points in their pursuit of a romance which misfires time and time again. Small town realities get a funny send-up, too. If you want a holiday film that dishes out healthy doses of spirited, hilarious comedy and kisses, just do NOT let this one get away. It is a guaranteed grin getter.

Maybe it's nostalgia, but rewatching this as an adult was about as fun as I remember as a kid. As far as shitty early 2000's romcoms go- this is a pretty good one. I'm realizing now just how many little quibs in this movie I have continued to say throughout the years. With a fun holiday feel to it, its easy to forgive some of the typical movie tropes this movie is littered with. Looks like Ryan Reynolds has always been capable of leading an entertaining comedy.

Very funny movie. Anna Faris steals the show. Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart were great together. A very funny and relatable "going back to your home town" story.

My fiancé and I went and saw this movie the other day and thought it was great! The humor was well-placed and it was great to see Ryan Reynolds in a movie where he wasn't surrounded by tasteless humor every 5 minutes. Me and my fiancé both agreed that the funniest bit throughout the whole movie was the relationship between Reynolds character and his brother. The slap-fights were great and the one moment of brotherly love was simply hilarious. If you're tired of the raunchy humor of the likes of 40-Year Old Virgin and want a good movie for a date or just as a stand alone movie, this one is great. It's got so many things in it that make it wonderful: Tasteful witty humor, good plot, puts you in the Christmas spirit (but also works as a non-seasonal movie), and gives props to any guy who's been put in the "Friend-zone". My fiancé came out of the movie and said "That makes me feel bad about all the guys I've told them I 'just want to be friends'". So there you go guys--if you got a girl you're crushing on and you think you might be in the "Friend-zone" with her, take her to this movie (even if it's just a "friendly date"). It may break the ice and she could see what kind of girl she's being. I found my 'one and only', but I've been in the friend-zone several times, so I was able to relate to this movie in many ways.

This is just an all around feel-good movie. I was very happy with the 14 bucks I spent on this flick.