Just Friends (2005)

While visiting his hometown during Christmas, a man comes face-to-face with his old high school crush whom he was best friends with -- a woman whose rejection of him turned him into a ferocious womanizer.

Director:

Roger Kumble

Writer:

Adam 'Tex' Davis (as Adam Davis)

Stars:

Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, Anna Faris

3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ryan Reynolds	...	Chris Brander
Amy Smart	...	Jamie Palamino
Anna Faris	...	Samantha James
Chris Klein	...	Dusty Dinkleman
Chris Marquette	...	Mike Brander (as Christopher Marquette)
Giacomo Beltrami	...	Young Mike Brander
Fred Ewanuick	...	Clark
Amy Matysio	...	Darla
Julie Hagerty	...	Carol Brander
Wendy Anderson	...	Mrs. Palamino
Barry Flatman	...	Mr. Palamino
Devyn Burant	...	Brett
Jaden Ryan	...	Joey
Annie Brebner	...	Sarah
Mike O'Brien	...	Hockey Dad

Storyline

Chris Brander has always been friends with Jamie Palamino, but now decides it is time to take his relationship to the next step. The problem is that Jamie still wants to be 'Just Friends'. When he runs away and moves to L.A., he becomes an attractive music manager, whom everyone wants. When his jet catches fire and is forced to land, when flying to Paris with his newest singing sensation, Samantha James, he ends up back home. To his surprise, he encounters Jamie again, and sets out to be more than 'Just Friends' this time.

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Plot Keywords:

friend zone | high school | best friend | christmas | new jersey | 

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Taglines:

He loves her. She loves him not.

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sexual content including some dialogue

Details

Country:

Germany USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 November 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Apenas Amigos

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$9,191,331, 27 November 2005

Gross USA:

$32,619,671, 9 February 2006

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$50,817,508

Company Credits

Production Co:

Inferno Distribution,Cinerenta Medienbeteiligungs KG,BenderSpink

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The movie was shot during winter in Regina and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan when temperatures would go down as low as -34°C (-29°F).

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Goofs

When Chris is in the dentist chair, they pop a retainer in his mouth. Retainers have to be made according to a mold of the patient's mouth, you can't just take any old retainer and expect it to fit - it won't.

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Quotes

Chris' Mom: Dusty, what kind of car is this?
Dusty: Carol, this little Japanese princess here is called the Prius.
Chris' Mom: I think it's so neat that you kids care about the environment.
Chris: I love the environment.
Chris' Mom: But honey, don't you drive a Range Rover? Aren't those bad?
Chris: [pause] Well, I had a really nice time tonight, and I hope we can do it again soon. Hey, Dusty, thanks for comin'.
Dusty: Oh, listen, man, it was my pleasure, really. Thank you all for having me. It was so nice.
[Chris takes out his retainer]
Dusty: And hey, before I ...

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Crazy Credits

Chris (Ryan Reynolds) lip-syncs "I Swear" during the end credits.

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Connections

Referenced in Tosh.0: Nintendo 64 Kid (2009)

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Soundtracks

Catch My Disease
Written by Ben Lee and McGowan Southworth
Performed by Ben Lee
Courtesy of New West Records
By Arrangement with Ocean Park Music Group

User Reviews

We've all been there...

...the "Friend Zone." We've all been in Chris, the main character's, shoes.

The storyline isn't deep - and it's not intended to be. The plot is simple: Guy secretly pines for his best friend, but he's chubby and considered nothing but a friend. After graduating high school, he goes to L.A. to pursue a career, slims down and becomes wealthy and then surprisingly returns home to N.J. only to reunite with his former unrequited love. Despite how successful Chris is in his new life, at his core he's the same and the object of his affection still makes him nervous. Does he pull his head out of his butt and win the girl or does he go back to L.A.? I won't spoil it. But I will say this - See this movie. It's full of laughs and we can all relate to Chris. His family dynamics are hilarious and I guarantee you'll think, if you have siblings, "I've done that". See this flick for entertainment, not for the answer to life's greatest questions. Expect nothing and enjoy everything.