The popular 1990s stoner comedy Friday is still considered a classic film to this day. After much recognition from great success at the box office, the film received a major cult following, later developed into a franchise with two other films to follow. From the simplicity of the film's title, as the plot occurs all in one day, multiple events unfold in 24 hours that I've always found laughable and relatable.
One of several underappreciated 1990s comedies, Friday is a film I would re-watch a lot because it's hilarious, quotable, and an all-around 1990s gem. Watching from a young age to now, I started to view the movie from a different perspective and began to notice little overlooked details that I never noticed or thought about before. What often goes unnoticed are tiny details creating interesting plot holes in the movie that could have possibly changed the direction of the film.
Craig & Smokey Only Needed $100 In Friday, Not $200
The Amount Of Money Craig Requested From Three People Was Inaccurate
The basis of the plot is that main characters, Craig and Smokey, who are indebted to a drug dealer and have until the night to cough up $200 or else they’re dead. In one scene, Big Worm threatens Smokey after he falsely counts money in front of him in the sum of $100, attempting to convince him he had more than the actual amount.
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What often goes unnoticed is the amount of money Craig requested from three people, which was inaccurate. Craig and Smokey only needed to recover half, yet he made the mission harder by asking for the full amount. In one scene when two guys from the neighborhood pull up asking Smokey to sell them some marijuana, he makes a successful transaction unknown to the audience of his new balance, assuming it’s definitely more than $100 now.
Friday (1995) Key Facts Breakdown |
|
Budget |
$3.5 million |
Box Office |
$28 million |
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score |
76% |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
91% |
Before their last resort was to steal from Deebo who coincidentally had $200 from a previous burglary that same day, Craig asked his girlfriend for $200, but failed, then asked his sister for $200 and failed. The last person he asked was his mother, but failed once again. Looking back on it, I couldn't help but wonder why they didn't count the money.
Why Friday Is Still An Iconic 1990s Comedy (Despite The Math)
The Movie Is A Cinematic Black Culture Icon
After 28 years, Friday is still considered an iconic comedy that will always be timeless, despite some of its overlooked plot holes. Unlike the previously mentioned plot hole, another one I still question to this day pertains to the paycheck Craig picked up on his day off. Although that was his money and his paycheck amount was never disclosed, if Craig already had $100 to cover the debt owed to Big Worm, their problems would have easily been alleviated, but Craig did tell Deebo in another scene he was "broke as a joke."
Friday is a cinematic Black culture icon, delivering unforgettable one-liners, coming-of-age representation, memorable characters, and an accurate depiction of family and community
From the genuine acting to the incredible writing, Friday is a cinematic Black culture icon, delivering unforgettable one-liners, coming-of-age representation, memorable characters, and an accurate depiction of family and community, offering great life messages. Friday also depicts the realism of violence, drugs, and life in South Central, L.A., which were all relevant and occurring during the 1990s, providing a combination of authenticity and simplicity. Friday gained positive popularity, a wide following, and earned great rewatch value, also paving the way for other stoner buddy comedies.
Friday is a 1995 comedy film directed by F. Gary Gray and written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh. Starring Ice Cube as Craig Jones and Chris Tucker as his friend Smokey, the story unfolds over one day in their South Central Los Angeles neighborhood. Dealing with the mundane and the unexpected, the film provides a humorous yet insightful look into the lives and challenges of the characters, capturing urban life and culture.
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