Friday

Friday, a coming-of-age comedy film directed by F. Gary Gray, is set in Los Angeles and revolves around two high school friends, Craig and Smokey. By their own account, the duo is not exactly the most accomplished or ambitious individuals in their community. Their objective, simply put, is to while away the time and find something exciting to do on a Friday afternoon. The movie is primarily told through the lens of Craig, a responsible student determined to secure a scholarship to a prestigious private university. As the audience becomes acquainted with Craig, it becomes apparent that he is burdened with a lengthy to-do list. Craig is in dire need of a smooth ride to an interview at John Henry Ford High School, a prestigious private university that could provide a much-needed scholarship to help him with his future goals. He sets his sights on Smokey, a laid-back, cigarette-puffing acquaintance who has gained a notorious reputation for driving recklessly and consistently avoiding capture from the police. Despite their disparate personalities, Craig and Smokey develop a close bond. As a result of their friendship, the two collaborate to devise a strategy to secure Smokey a supposedly 'cool' ride and give Craig the ride to the interview he needs. In exchange, Craig advises Smokey on how to enhance his image and appeal to the ladies by modifying his accent and acquiring more of a refined demeanor. Craig makes every effort to rein in Smokey's reckless behavior, while Smokey contributes their expertise to assist in finding and acquiring the ideal vehicle for Craig's interview. They recruit Debo, a violent and intimidating character who is well-known in the community, to pose as Smokey's new, 'successful' associate. Additionally, Craig is in a relationship with a kind girl named Debbie, whom he desperately needs to impress at her mother's birthday party. Debbie takes an active interest in their conversation and Craig is fascinated by her insight and calm manner, on the other hand Smokey is more keen on providing useless advice in the interactions with Craig and Debbie. Craig turns to a group of unemployed, hoodied gang members who appear completely uninterested in getting a job for assistance to obtain the ride he wants. Throughout the conversation, it is apparent that Craig regards them as true friends who can lend a helping hand. He tells them all about his interview and how he believes they could gain from acquiring the correct work attire. Meanwhile, the film also explores the tension present among the African-American community. For instance, the school's principal at John Henry Ford High School looks to drive African-American students towards attending Los Angeles' Woodson Technical High School instead, an example of his not especially beneficial motivations. Craig's anxieties also continue to spike throughout the film. Craig requires that Smokey assist him in completing a significant project. In return, he promises Smokey that when Craig scores a spot at the prestigious private university, he will acquire a nicer ride for Smokey. However, due considerations are not provided to Craig's long-shot prospects in the story line. In reality, Craig's options become more and more narrow as a result of time constraints that gradually develop into obstacles in his efforts to secure the job, with his future looking more bleaker than ever. Craig's attempts at improving his future don't result in immediate victory, rather it leads to his friend getting engaged in two misadventures that would end up testing his dedication to his friend. Smokey winds up having a disastrous stint at stealing a vehicle belonging to the local residents, only to return home safe and sound a short while after. As they later embark on their stolen ride, they find out that the car belonged to a police officer and the vehicle drives them straight to a local police operation. As the day continues, Craig develops anxiety as he realizes that getting into a reckless car, could simply cancel out all his efforts to continue his education.