Friday Has a Smokey and So Does Life
Anyone who has ever known someone that was the character “Smokey” or been the character “Smokey” themselves, can appreciate Friday. This classic comedy movie was written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh and is well known as a hilarious watch. Again, it is easy to identify with a lot of Friday’s characters because, while they are characters in a movie, each one is a real person someone knows in his/her real life. I have not watched The Office but, I understand that basically, each character represents someone that is always present in the workplace. Friday is no different. I’ve known a “Craig”, a “Smokey”, a “Felicia”, and a “Deebo” too. Honestly, I think that’s what makes this movie so fun. Let’s talk about Friday from my perspective.
The Relatability of Friday for Anyone
Aunt Esther from Sanford and Son was a Jehovah’s Witness? I thought she was a Baptist. Craig is a levelheaded decent young man who learns about life and is played by Ice Cube. He likes a girl named Debbie that is played by Nia Long. Cube’s character is dating a girl who is psycho-crazy – you know the type. You have the reverend of the local church, who is also a lowkey customer of Smokey, played by Bernie Mac. There’s a female neighbor who is beautiful and knows it. Every community has its very own crack or meth head, and so does Friday. Friday has a classic bully by the name of Deebo. Everyone hides their money and chains when he comes down the street. Just your lunch money wasn’t good enough for this fellow. There are many more characters in Friday but, none stands out like that neighborhood pothead, Smokey.
For anyone who has seen Friday, and for many who haven’t, there is one main thing that comes out of this movie. Perhaps the most iconic thing about this comedy is “Smokey”, as played by Chris Tucker. Tucker plays one character and that’s Chris Tucker. His name may be Smokey or Secret Service Agent James Carter, but he’s still playing Chris Tucker. When it comes to funny people on the silver screen, he is my favorite followed by Jim Carey. In Friday, every time Smokey opens his mouth it is a classic one-liner. “You just got knocked the F out” and “You know this man” to “It’s Friday, you ain’t got no job…”, fans know the rest. I also love Smokey’s room. Pay close attention to the Cheech and Chong poster on the wall the next time you watch Friday.
I've Lived This Life - Have You?
I have sat on front porches goofing off and listening to music with my friends all day. These characters have all been in my life. Bullies were around in high school, and I saw them finally get knocked out when they met their match. I’ve laughed with people who were on a different plane of existence all the time. Stories have been told about angry ex-girlfriends, golf clubs, and a dude’s headlights and windshield. There were a few of the levelheaded people who you knew had a future when everyone around them could care less. I remember getting cursed out at the local church by a deacon for riding my skateboard. Everyone has closed the door in the face of a JW waking them up on Saturday. Unfortunately, I’ve known people that have let drugs take control of their lives and put them in a place of slavery too.
Friday is a Comedy About Real Life
Obviously, this is a comedy although it is about real life. The humor in Friday is subtle but constant. It is real life and is relatable which makes it even funnier. You really can’t ask for a better soundtrack either. Ice Cube style straight Compton gangster rap, Cypress Hill doing what Cypress Hill does, and then you have Al Green-type love music. Mix the comedy with awesome music, great actors, and a lot of bad language, and you have the makings of Friday. This movie is a cultural hit and a representation of real life for some. It even mentions some cultural ideas like putting the guns down. I have nothing bad to say about Friday and will watch it anytime someone wants to.
Apologies On Breveity
I apologize for the brevity on this one but, comedy really ain’t my thing. Y’all know I dig horror and sci-fi but, I’ve needed a break lately. Jumping back to classics is never a bad idea and spending some time getting a few laughs is always healthy. Does anyone have any real-life “Smokey” stories of their own? If you know someone who is any of the characters in this movie, comment below. While you’re messing around on my site, check out my artwork and thumb through my photography here. You read more of my blogs here and follow me on all social media here. All likes, shares, subs, and follows are appreciated.