One of Them Days Review – Palmer and SZA Deliver Big Laughs

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The hangout comedy has seemingly disappeared from theaters in recent years. As tentpole films and big-budget spectacle rules, even a movie about friends hanging out seems unexciting to general audiences. However,One of Them Daystakes its simple premise and runs wild. StarringKeke Palmerand SZA,One of Them Daysgets big laughs on every level. In addition to a dozen great sight gags, one-liners from its leads help put an exclamation point on scenes. While it runstoo long for its own good,One of Them Dayshas a real chance as an early-year sleeper.

One of Them Days stars Keke Palmer (Left) and SZA (Right).

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One of Them Days– The Plot

Lifelong best friends Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) are stuck in life. Dreux continues to work a diner but finally has a chance to become a franchise owner herself. Alyssa’s boyfriend Keshawn (Joshua David Neal) cares more about his shoes than her. When Keshawn steals their rent money for a get-rich-kick scheme, Dreux and Alyssa search for a way to make up their rent before they’re evicted from their terrible apartment.

The comedy springs from Palmer and SZA

The two actresses are known for their talents on and off screen, but their chemistry is undeniable. Palmer brings a slightly more dramatic flare to her role, which requires her to dig deeper into the emotional struggle of trying to find one’s purpose in a corporate life. Meanwhile, SZA gets to play more of a wildcard but never leaves the scenes feeling out of place. She is best in the moments she expresses self-doubt over her art, but she also gets plenty of moments to show growth from the beginning to the end of the movie.

One of Them Daysuses its chemistry to build dozens of high-energy gags. Sometimes, this causes them to climb an electrical pole to grab a pair of Jordans. In other moments, they jump out of an ambulance and sprint through the street. There are some incredible big comedy setpieces that both performers are game to exploit for comedy, and their ability to keep in character as absurdity takes over helps land the humor. While there may not be room for a sequel, we need to get Palmer and SZA on screen again, pronto.

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There are plenty of bit parts throughoutOne of Them Daysthat plays off the comedy duo to perfection. The best is Katt Williams, who fits into the slightly cartoony universe on the periphery of the movie. This also comes with a short-term service, which brings Keyla Monterroso Mejia into a scene-stealing role. A few other cameos are perfectly deployed and give both actresses some room to land their jokes. Dewayne Perkins (The Blackening) also gets a standout side-character but that’s an easy win forOne of Them Days.

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Some pacing issues do hurtOne of Them Days‘ momentum.

At times, director Lawrence Lamont (Rap Shit!) showcases perfect comedic timing to execute a joke. However, some scenes stretch a little too long for their own good. It’s often a static shot that feels like we switched cameras half a second too early or held the non-joke line of dialogue for too long. It’s odd becauseOne of Them Dayshas moments of rapid joke-telling, layering the humor on top of more humor. However, in these moments, the balance is not working.

One of the key roles in the final act ofOne of Them Daysdoes feel a little underwhelming. Based on rumors and intrigue about the figure,One of Them Daysdoes not provide the comedic heft or build strong enough tension to help it succeed. It’s not a bad part of the movie, but more that the antagonist feels a little less intimidating as we hope he’ll land. The humor in the final act makes up for the misdirect, butOne of Them Daysalso might have invested too heavily in the “tell” and not enough “show” for this aspect to click into place.

One of Them Days stars Keke Palmer (Left) and SZA (Right).

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IsOne of Them Daysworth watching?

January comedies can be a hit-or-miss proposition. However,One of Them Daysis a perfect hangout flick that should capitalize on repeat business. It’s hilarious, but that was also a given, with Palmer leading the way. However, there’s a sense of discovery in the pairing with SZA that could be fruitful in the future. Plus, there are so many jokes you’ll surely discover new ones you missed for the second or third time through the movie. ExpectOne of Them Daysto have a longer comedic legacy than its peers this week.

One of Them Daysopens in theaters on June 20, 2025. Sony Pictures and TriStar distribute.

One of Them Days stars Keke Palmer (Left) and SZA (Right).