There are certain classic Christmas movies we all know and love. Unfortunately, Just Friends never makes it into the beloved Christmas movie group.
Despite releasing almost 20 years ago, no one talks about how great Just Friends is. While it does have some problematic elements, the film features a stacked cast and a great storyline which is something that gets overlooked.
If you've never watched the film, let's start with the cast as it features Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, Anna Faris, Chris Klein, and Julie Hagerty among others. However, if that's not enough to make you want to check it out, maybe the storyline will give you the push you need to watch it.
The story follows Chris (Ryan Reynolds) who is friend-zoned by his best friend, Jamie (Amy Smart) when they're in high school. While he has no plans to return to his hometown, Chris ends up getting trapped there while headed to close a deal with Samantha James (Anna Faris.) Chris is eager to show off his new look and give Jamie a taste of what she left behind all those years ago.
Just Friends is a beloved yet forgotten Christmas movie.
The reason why this movie isn't as popular is a very obvious one and it's that Ryan Reynolds is wearing a fat suit while portraying a younger version of Chris. At the time, it wasn't right but no one questioned it. However, that is something that wouldn't happen in any of the modern Christmas movies we all enjoy. That's a legitimate reason why Just Friends isn't always on everyone's list.
If you're able to look past that, then you'll be shocked at how great this movie is. While Ryan Reynolds is known for playing Deadpool, he's an incredibly swoony yet somewhat douchey hero. Once you figure out why he is the way he is, it all comes full circle. Plus it's nice to see how he goes from being such a sweetie to a player to finding that perfect balance between who he was in the past and who he is now.
While the rest of the cast is great, the one person who absolutely committed to their role was Anna Faris. Playing Samantha James, Faris did not care and made her as unhinged as possible. From writing a song about forgiveness to aggressively making out with Chris after seeing him again, she is truly a character you can't help but laugh at. This pattern continues throughout the entire film up until the very end and it makes for comedy gold.
At its core, Just Friends is a second-chance friends-to-lovers story. If you're a romance reader, I'm sure you'll fall head over heels with this Christmas movie. Even if you aren't, the performances in this movie are undeniably great. No matter if you're getting caught up on Ryan Reynolds' filmography or want an underrated Christmas gem, then don't sleep on Just Friends.
Just Friends is currently streaming on Hulu.