The Black Nerds: FRIDAY – 30th Anniversary Screening!

30TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING! 

The Black Nerds are lighting up the screen this April 20th at Revue Cinema with a blazing 30th anniversary celebration of one of the most iconic stoner comedies of all time: Friday (1995). Directed by F. Gary Gray and co-written by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh, this cult classic brings humor, heart, and a snapshot of South Central Los Angeles in the mid-’90s—all wrapped up in a hazy cloud of unforgettable antics. 

More than just a stoner comedy, Friday stands as a love letter to the hood life, finding warmth and laughter amidst the chaos. The story unfolds over a single day as Craig Jones (Ice Cube), recently fired “on his day off,” and his high-strung best friend Smokey (Chris Tucker) navigate a gauntlet of neighborhood drama—from dodging the volatile Big Worm (Faizon Love) to standing up to the intimidating bully Deebo (Tommy “Tiny” Lister Jr.). 

Ice Cube, known for his gritty persona as a founding member of N.W.A., showcases his comedic chops with deadpan delivery and understated charm. Tucker, on the other hand, delivers a breakout performance as Smokey, whose frenetic energy and outrageous one-liners catapulted him into stardom. Their chemistry is the driving force of the film, creating a buddy dynamic that remains unmatched. 

No discussion of Friday is complete without mentioning its soundtrack—a sonic time capsule featuring tracks from Dr. Dre, Cypress Hill, and Bootsy Collins. The music is as integral to the film as its characters, amplifying the laid-back distinctly West Coast vibe that carries every scene effortlessly. 

Released during a time when films like Boyz n the Hood and Menace II Society highlighted the harsh realities of inner-city life, Friday flipped the script. Rather than centering violence or tragedy, it chose to laugh at the absurdities of everyday life, offering a fresh, nuanced portrayal of Black joy and resilience. 

Yet, the film doesn’t shy away from meaningful moments. John Witherspoon’s performance as Craig’s father, Mr. Jones, delivers one of the film’s most memorable lessons: “You win some, you lose some, but you live—you live to fight another day.” This pragmatic wisdom underscores a key message about nonviolence and survival. 

Nearly 30 years later, Friday remains a cultural touchstone, quoted endlessly and revered for its unapologetic humor and depiction of community life. Its influence can be seen across comedy, hip-hop, and even fashion—those pastel hair curlers on Big Worm are iconic for a reason. 

Join The Black Nerds at Revue Cinema for a 4/Twenty Twen Twen screening of Friday! Tickets are available at Revuecinema.ca. 

-Faduma Gure

Part of the The Black Nerds series!

Cast/Crew Info
Director: F. Gary Gray | Cast: Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Tommy Lister Jr., John Witherspoon