Parents' Guide to

Just Friends

By Cynthia Fuchs, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Obnoxious rom-com about ex-high school friends.

Movie PG-13 2005 96 minutes
Just Friends Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 9 parent reviews

Alex A.
Alex A. Adult
April 30, 2024
age 12+

A good moral but it's a very crude comedy

Nicole H.
Nicole H. Adult
October 13, 2023
age 13+

I like some parts of this film. Chris Brander kind of ruined it. He came off as kind of violently psycho in the beginning just like Dusty Dinkleman. Then, Chris started being a douche just like Dusty. Which made me bored. Samantha James is what made this film wild and interesting. But she was doing that boring blonde bimbo trope. Chris Brander's brother Mike was entertaining, too. Jamie Palamino was my favorite character, though. Chris Brander's high school friends were great to see as well. Carol Brander was so cheesy in this film...
See all 9 parent reviews

What's the Story?

JUST FRIENDS begins at high school graduation when overweight Chris (Ryan Reynolds) tells his friend Jamie (Amy Smart) that he wants to be "more than friends." But this isn't in the cards. Ten years later, Chris is a thin, successful L.A. music industry executive and callow ladies man. At Christmas time, he's transporting singer Samantha (Anna Faris), who wants to hook up with Chris, to Europe. When the plane is detained in New Jersey, Chris discovers Jamie working at a local bar, whereupon he decides that he'll "get even," by seducing and abandoning her. This leads to several awkward situations and physical humor. Soon, Chris realizes that he really does love her, and so endeavors to impress her in earnest. At this point, old rival for Jamie's affection shows up -- former stutterer Dusty Dinkleman (Chris Klein), who is now dashing and utterly devious.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (9 ):
Kids say (13 ):

Perhaps the only nice thing that can be said about this boisterous romantic comedy, is that it isn't quite as desperately rude as Ryan Reynolds' other recent film, Waiting. But it pushes the PG-13 rating with vulgar language and situations.

Faris again demonstrates that she is fearless when it comes to physical stunts and comedic emotional excesses, making you wish that she might find a role that would allow her to stretch in other directions. Unfortunately, Samantha is Just Friends's primary butt of uninspired sexual titillation jokes, which leaves Jamie as the banal "good girl." Add to this line-up Chris's clueless mom, and the women in this movie are mostly props for the boys' violent humor and self-absorption.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Chris's efforts to overcome his high school reputation and the shame he felt when kids teased him. How does his younger, sweet, overweight self contrast with his 10-years-later "playboy" self? How does his relationship with genuine nice girl Jamie contrast with his distaste for self-involved Samantha?

Movie Details

  • In theaters: November 23, 2005
  • On DVD or streaming: March 7, 2006
  • Cast: Amy Smart , Anna Faris , Ryan Reynolds
  • Director: Roger Kumble
  • Inclusion Information: Female actors
  • Studio: New Line
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Run time: 96 minutes
  • MPAA rating: PG-13
  • MPAA explanation: sexual content including some dialogue.
  • Last updated: February 16, 2024

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