Pop Culture Happy Hour: "One Of Them Days" Episode Summary
Release Date: January 22, 2025
Hosted by NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour Team: Brittany Luce, Stephen Thompson, Aisha Harris, and Cory Antonio Rose
Special Guests: Keke Palmer and SZA
Introduction
In the January 22, 2025 episode of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, the team delves into the newly released raunchy buddy comedy film "One Of Them Days". Starring Hollywood luminary Keke Palmer and global pop sensation SZA, the movie promises a blend of humor and social commentary set against the backdrop of Los Angeles. The discussion offers a comprehensive analysis of the film's strengths, shortcomings, and its reflection of contemporary societal issues.
Movie Overview
"One Of Them Days" centers on Drew (played by Keke Palmer), a driven waitress striving to manage her own diner franchise. As rent day approaches, Drew entrusts the responsibility of paying the rent to her free-spirited roommate and best friend, Alyssa (portrayed by SZA). Alyssa, in turn, delegates the task to her unreliable boyfriend, setting off a chain of chaotic events. The narrative unfolds over a single tumultuous day in Los Angeles, highlighting themes such as gentrification, predatory business practices, and the struggle for advancement in modern America.
Host and Guest Impressions
Initial Reactions
Brittany Luce introduces the film, highlighting the chemistry between Keke Palmer and SZA. She sets the stage for an in-depth discussion on the movie's impact and execution.
Aisha Harris begins by emphasizing the challenge of crafting intentional comedy, praising the film’s attempt to blend humor with serious societal issues. She remarks:
"One of my favorite scenes... is a very astute observation about the way these places are predatory and really, really try to just entrap people." (08:00)
Keke Palmer shares her delight in portraying an adult role in a straight-up comedy, noting:
"I had fun. I feel like the film advertised itself as like a fun, silly movie and it was a fun, silly movie." (04:21)
Performance Highlights
Keke Palmer commends SZA's on-screen presence, admitting her initial skepticism about SZA's acting prowess:
"I was charmed by SZA. She had a very warm on screen presence that I was really surprised by." (04:23)
SZA discusses her experience, highlighting the tangible and believable chemistry with Keke Palmer:
"The chemistry between SZA and Keke was tangible, believable, which was a refreshing surprise to me." (06:17)
Critical Analysis
Aisha Harris critiques the film's pacing and script, suggesting that certain scenes feel "Shaggy" and could benefit from tighter writing:
"There were moments where the banter could have been faster. Like, it felt Shaggy in places." (08:19)
She draws parallels to classic black comedies like "Friday" and "Three Strikes", indicating that while "One Of Them Days" has its moments, it doesn't quite reach the energy and cohesiveness of these benchmarks:
"It just felt as though there were moments where the banter could have been faster. Like, it felt Shaggy in places... Something like Girls Trip." (08:43)
Brittany Luce echoes these sentiments, acknowledging the film’s charismatic leads but pointing out script inconsistencies:
"I think the script just kind of needed another pass some of the way. That kind of conflict between the two leads... But SZA is so much more at fault." (10:04)
Sense of Place and Authenticity
The discussion shifts to the film's portrayal of Los Angeles, specifically the South LA neighborhood known as the Jungles. Aisha Harris and Cory Antonio Rose delve into how the setting acts almost as a character itself, enriching the narrative with authentic cultural nuances.
Aisha Harris shares her appreciation for the film's authentic depiction of LA life:
"It felt like the little that I've experienced of LA... it felt true in a way. And I would expect nothing less from Issa Rae because... it's love letters to LA in a way." (16:57)
SZA adds that the film effectively captures the essence of specific locales, enhancing the characters' narratives:
"It reminds me of the way she sets her stories in these really specific places... It reminds me of Jocelyn Bio." (17:22)
Notable Scenes and Performances
A standout moment discussed is the scene at the payday loan center, where Kayla Monterosso Mejia (played by Janelle James) delivers a biting performance that underscores the predatory nature of such businesses. Aisha Harris praises the scene for its sharp social commentary wrapped in humor:
"There are a lot of great character actors who pop up in this movie... The payday loan scene has great back and forth between the leads and a comedic actress." (08:00)
Brittany Luce highlights the over-the-top nature of the blood bank scene featuring Janelle James, suggesting it’s designed for audience interaction and reactions:
"That scene goes wildly over the top. Not the substance level over the top, but it goes pretty, pretty far over the top." (11:48)
Themes and Social Commentary
The film tackles pressing issues like gentrification and the economic struggles faced by young adults in urban settings. The hosts appreciate how "One Of Them Days" weaves these themes into its comedic framework, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking.
SZA reflects on the relatability of the characters' fears and struggles:
"There are moments in the film... that really take real fears and they hike them up to the nth degree... I do think I found it relatable." (15:10)
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode wraps up with unanimous praise for Keke Palmer's performance, with both hosts yearning to see her in more leading roles across various genres. Keke Palmer emphasizes her desire for Palmer to take on diverse roles:
"Keke Palmer needs to be lead of every movie... She could have been the lead in Elsa Raw 2... I just wish I could see more of her." (18:14)
Aisha Harris acknowledges the film's potential and expresses excitement for future projects from writer and showrunner Sarita Singleton:
"There was enough in here that worked and that I enjoyed that... I would love to see what she does Next." (12:57)
Overall, "One Of Them Days" is recognized for its charismatic leads, authentic setting, and its attempt to balance comedy with meaningful social issues, despite some script and pacing inconsistencies.
Closing Remarks
The hosts encourage listeners to share their thoughts on the film via Facebook and Letterboxd, fostering a community discussion around "One Of Them Days." They also remind listeners about supporting the show through Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus, offering a sponsor-free listening experience.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Aisha Harris: "One of my favorite scenes... is a very astute observation about the way these places are predatory and really, really try to just entrap people." (08:00)
- Keke Palmer: "I had fun. I feel like the film advertised itself as like a fun, silly movie and it was a fun, silly movie." (04:21)
- SZA: "The chemistry between SZA and Keke was tangible, believable, which was a refreshing surprise to me." (06:17)
- Aisha Harris: "There were moments where the banter could have been faster. Like, it felt Shaggy in places." (08:19)
- Brittany Luce: "I think the script just kind of needed another pass some of the way. That kind of conflict between the two leads... But SZA is so much more at fault." (10:04)
- Aisha Harris: "It felt like the little that I've experienced of LA... it felt true in a way." (16:57)
- SZA: "There are moments in the film... that really take real fears and they hike them up to the nth degree... I do think I found it relatable." (15:10)
- Keke Palmer: "Keke Palmer needs to be lead of every movie... I just wish I could see more of her." (18:14)
Produced by: Hafsa Fathoma and Lennon Sherburne
Edited by: Mike Katsif
Supervising Producer: Jessica Reedy
Theme Music by: Hello, Come In
For more updates and discussions, follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Facebook and Letterboxd at @letterboxd.com NPRpopculture.