ONE OF THEM DAYS -- The Power of Palmer

Review by Adam Donato

One Of Them Days is one of the first releases of the new year and starts us off with a laugh. This is Keke Palmer’s first leading role on screen since her success in Nope. She is coupled with popular artist SZA as two best friends who need to regain their rent money by the end of the day. Helmed by first time director Lawrence Lamont and first time writer Syreeta Singleton, can this comedy survive on the chemistry of these two popular leading ladies?

Keke Palmer has more personality in her pinky than most actresses have in their whole body. That includes SZA, who is not bad in the movie, but the writing for the character isn’t doing her any favors. She’s majorly unlikable and annoyingly foolish. For someone who doesn’t regularly act, this was not a failure of a performance though. She has good enough chemistry with Keke Palmer to keep this buddy comedy afloat. Palmer doesn’t need much help. There’s so many laughs gotten from her just messing around. The way she delivers her lines and the energy she brings to every scene is magnetic. It helps that most of the central characters are very attractive and this movie loves to take every opportunity to capitalize on that. This is a horned up comedy to the bone. 

The narrative of the film gives a clear timeline and is fraught with comedic opportunities. All their attempts to acquire more money and to stay out of trouble are very funny. The film often relies on cheap, over the top slapstick comedy. Character getting hurt in some outlandish and fake looking way. These aren’t as funny as the banter between the characters, but it’s enough to make this day seem like a wild ride. The story threads are wrapped up in similarly unconvincing ways and leaves off feeling too convenient. The film lives and dies on the backs of the bond between these two best friends. The quality of the film does not inspire me to watch more from the first time writer and director, unless they are coupled with inspiring talent.

Turns out the pairing of Palmer and SZA is enough to satisfy audiences. The whole screening was hooting and hollering throughout. One Of Them Days certainly accomplishes its goal of being a fun, crazy and raunchy comedy. Palmer should continue to thrive when it comes to landing more lead roles. Hopefully SZA can garner some more box office attention with her music stans. Check this one out in theaters this January for some lighter laughs. 

One of Them Days will be in theaters on January 17. 

Rating: 3/5