They Don’t Make Comedies Like One of Them Days Anymore

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Is marijuana humor losing its appeal in comedy? This idea came to mind while watching the movie “One of Them Days“, which I found quite enjoyable despite its structure and warm vibe being reminiscent of traditional stoner comedies without actually featuring any drug use. Characters like Craig and Smokey, Jesse and Chester, and Harold and Kumar have come before, portraying underdog pairs with a simple goal – raising $1,500 for rent by the end of the day – that turns into an absurd series of escapades. Although Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) may seem like they’d enjoy a casual smoke, given their circumstances, they don’t have the luxury to indulge due to Dreux’s upcoming job interview, Alyssa’s freeloading boyfriend Keshawn (Joshua David Neal), and the tight timeframe to avoid eviction. Additionally, the social stigma associated with marijuana has largely disappeared in places like California, where it has been legal for almost a decade and can be purchased at Apple Store-like dispensaries by anxious moms seeking sleep aid or wellness enthusiasts looking to microdose. Much like the run-down Baldwin Village apartment complex where Dreux and Alyssa reside, marijuana is being gentrified, and the characters no longer rely on it as a shared interest. Instead, their relationship is built on factors such as shared history, affection, and mutual understanding of economic hardship.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but relate to the characters in “One of Them Days.” Instead of basking in idleness, they yearn for a slight edge, a way out of the never-ending paycheck-to-paycheck cycle that consistently slips through their fingers. Syreeta Singleton, the brilliant mind behind “Rap Sh!t,” and Lawrence Lamont, the director, have crafted a film that masterfully blends the characters’ exhaustion with the humor of their unexpected predicaments. The cast, an array of comedic talents like Katt Williams and Lil Rel Howery, as well as fresh faces such as Aziza Scott, who steals the show with her portrayal of local antagonist Berniece, truly brings this absurd world to life. SZA seamlessly steps into her acting debut as Alyssa, an artist straddling the line between free spirit and flakiness. With her captivating physique and flowing hair, she embodies a sketch of sensual contentment when Dreux finds her lounging in bed, having unexpectedly ended up there with Keshawn during their discussion about moving out. Lastly, Palmer, as the ambitious Dreux who has been working the night shift at Norms after failing to complete her business degree, skillfully harnesses a charisma potent enough to illuminate entire city blocks.

As a film lover, let me tell you, watching “One of Them Days” left me pondering why Palmer isn’t a global superstar yet. There’s an issue, though – she thrives in comedy, and comedic roles are scarcely produced nowadays by studios. Despite moments where the script and pace falter, she manages to elicit laughter with her swift physicality and unconventional line deliveries. A simple line like “He knew how to clean this whole time!” when realizing Keshawn took their rent money becomes a hilarious moment due to her delivery. Her encounter with Maniac (Patrick Cage) in the neighbor’s makeshift store is turned into a brilliantly orchestrated display of awkward longing.

Dreux and Alyssa appear to have a typical dynamic: Dreux, the controlled one seeking order, while Alyssa encourages her friend to relax. Initially, it seems as if Alyssa’s carefree choices, such as trusting Keshawn with rent or taking a local gangster’s sneakers, are hindering Dreux’s progress. However, by the end, both Alyssa’s free-spirited outlook and Dreux’s more conventional methods of achieving success seem equally valid, given how unfair the system can be, making every mistake feel like a lifelong consequence.

During Dreux and Alyssa’s travels, they visit a blood bank where a nurse-turned-stripper, portrayed by Janelle James, allows Dreux, who is gradually turning gray, to donate extra pints. They also stop at a payday loan office boasting an exorbitant 1,900.5% APR rate. However, the central location is an apartment complex run by a stern landlord named Uche (Rizi Timane), who disregards due process and whose building occasionally sheds ceiling debris when doors are slammed. Despite its flaws, this complex houses a long-standing community that the film portrays with a touch of humor.

When Bethany, played by Maude Apatow, moves in as the first white resident, the other tenants watch her warmly, acknowledging that she symbolizes change. Although Bethany may not be intentionally malicious, she represents a lifestyle where everyone has a well-paying job, their homes are already renovated, and no one is laughed at for their credit score – a stark contrast to how a loan officer, portrayed brilliantly by Keyla Monterroso Mejia, reacts when she sees Dreux’s.

In contrast, Dreux and Alyssa must fight for their happy ending, potentially risking their lives in the process. Yet, this type of comedy roots for its underdog heroes, whether they are high or not, to triumph. When they eventually do, they choose to celebrate with a cocktail.

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2025-01-15 21:53