One Of Them Days: Movie review

SZA and Keke Palmer the collaboration fans didn't know they needed. Matched with director Lawrence Lamont and producer Issa Rae they definitely delivered. This female buddy comedy film earned $14 million during opening weekend.

Fans can appreciate the black 90’s film era, this movie gives off. Keke Palmer plays “Dreux” a hardworking, independent waitress and SZA plays “Alyssa” a more free-will, fun girl artist both struggling to make ends meet, living together in a bust-up Los Angeles apartment, yet it is clear it is a homey space they both love.

After they end up stupidly losing their rent money, they have nine hours to come up with the money before their landlord evicts them. They're frantic, coming up with different interesting ways to come up with the money while going through hell as things just are not going their way.

SZA and Keke Palmer's chemistry is amazing, and it makes the humor even better because it really feels like they are best friends in real life. SZA’s performance was shockingly good, obviously, Keke Palmer has been acting and excelling at it since a young age. People know SZA as an R&B singer-songwriter, but she really did her thing.

The whole thing is very chaotic, but in a good way that will keep viewers genuinely entertained the whole time.

Some hilarious additions to the cast include, Maude Apatow who plays “Bethany”, fans mostly know her from her role as “Lexi” in Euphoria. She moves into a predominantly black apartment complex or the “The Jungle” they call it, leaving the neighbors to blame gentrification. She provides comedic relief by just being the joke of the block, not really fitting in well at first but comes to help Dreux and Alyssa when they need it the most.

Katt Williams and Janelle James were perfect additions to the cast, and I couldn't help but laugh during their scenes.

Fans might have noticed the subtle Issa Rae promotions of her champagne “Viarae Prosecco”, a sparkling white wine, and she even came in as a voice-over in the film. Also featured one of her cast members from the HBO hit show “Insecure”, Lil Rel Howery who also does a lot of comedy.

Another thing people can appreciate is the soundtrack, which features a lot of black artists. Some that stand out are “TGIF” by Glorilla, “soak city (do it)” by 310 babii, “BGC” by Flo Milli and “NISSAN ALTIMA“ by Doechii. These are familiar favorites that fans probably have on their playlist, giving a personal connection to them. Music is so important in movies, because they set the vibe, and have to fit perfectly with the scene, and they really did well.

Overall, it was a good-feel movie, packed with laughs and stacked with great actors. There is so much to love from the realness to the beautiful main characters making it hard to look away. The plot feels like a ride with constant ups and downs, but enjoyable the whole way through. Definitely will meet fans' expectations and probably impress them with the quality, relatability and genuine laughs.

Check it out, only in theaters.

Rate: 4/5

Gabrielle Marston is a third-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email gmm6030@psu.edu.