The comedy of mortification is on tap in this icky, odd tale of an unbelievably awkward guy who pals up with the cool new dude down the street, until he gets unceremoniously dumped.
So, a guy who looks like Tim Robinson couldn't possibly have a pretty wife and good job? That's a depressing reinforcement of shallow societal standards. I recently watched "Junior" and had no problem buying Danny DeVito as a successful OB/GYN with a lovely ex-wife. People come in all shapes and sizes, and the movies are a wonderful place to embrace that, especially when society isn't willing. Granted, I haven't seen "Friendship," so I don't know if the film actually comments on Craig's looks in comparison to his wife's. But attraction is a complex thing that's different for everyone. I guess this is a long-winded way of saying it's a bummer to see critics not embrace that complexity and reinforce the most antiquated "she's out of his league" stuff. And I wouldn't say that if this site didn't include reviews that constantly comment on actors' appearances.
Thanks for your comment. I brought this up because I felt like it was something the filmmakers were very intentional about and used it to play with the audience's expectations. Certainly they groom Robinson with hair, makeup, lighting and wardrobe to accentuate his dweebishness.
Not judging; I definitely swing toward the dweeb side myself.
So, a guy who looks like Tim Robinson couldn't possibly have a pretty wife and good job? That's a depressing reinforcement of shallow societal standards. I recently watched "Junior" and had no problem buying Danny DeVito as a successful OB/GYN with a lovely ex-wife. People come in all shapes and sizes, and the movies are a wonderful place to embrace that, especially when society isn't willing. Granted, I haven't seen "Friendship," so I don't know if the film actually comments on Craig's looks in comparison to his wife's. But attraction is a complex thing that's different for everyone. I guess this is a long-winded way of saying it's a bummer to see critics not embrace that complexity and reinforce the most antiquated "she's out of his league" stuff. And I wouldn't say that if this site didn't include reviews that constantly comment on actors' appearances.
Thanks for your comment. I brought this up because I felt like it was something the filmmakers were very intentional about and used it to play with the audience's expectations. Certainly they groom Robinson with hair, makeup, lighting and wardrobe to accentuate his dweebishness.
Not judging; I definitely swing toward the dweeb side myself.