Friday

Part of Loft Staff Selects, a monthly series showcasing film favorites chosen by our amazing Loft Cinema staff! This month’s film was chosen by Gilbert Durazo!

A stoner hangout comedy of the very best kind, Friday takes place during one special summer day in South Central Los Angeles – where anything that can happen, does happen. Ice Cube (who co-wrote the hilarious screenplay) stars as 22-year-old Craig Jones, recently fired from his job … on his day off. His best pal Smokey (Chris Tucker) urges him to get high, kick back and enjoy the lack of responsibility. But instead of relaxing, Craig is forced to deal with the madness that surrounds him – his father (John Witherspoon) hassling him from the toilet, massive neighborhood bully Deebo (Tommy Lister Jr.) looking to deck him, and his not-girlfriend Joi (Paula Jai Parker) constantly calling and hanging up. And with Smokey in trouble for indulging in the weed that he was supposed to sell, Craig is liable by default and must help him find the money to pay for it. Co-starring Regina King, Nia Long, Faison Love, DJ Pooh and Bernie Mac as Pastor Clever, Friday is an endlessly re-watchable cult classic that spawned multiple sequels. “Bye, Felisha.” (Dir. by F. Gary Gray, 1995, USA, 91 mins., Rated R)