Friday has become a cult film over the years since its release in 1995, with a look of South Central LA from different kind of perspective. Most films that documented of how growing up in a South Central neighborhood was mainly full of bloodshed, gang violence and tragedy and it was something of the norm for those who kept up on what was going on in that part of the U.S or for those who actually lived there but Friday’s insight took a slightly different approach.
Director F. Gary Gary rappers Ice Cube and DJ Pooh wanted to give the world a look on how some South Central streets weren’t just full of yellow caution tape and white sheets but more of how so much can happen in the course of a day that deals with a lost job a couple friends some weed and a neighborhood bully among other things that Craig who is played by Ice Cube and Smokey who is played by Chris Tucker get themselves into throughout their Friday. Gary Gary thought it would be a great idea to shoot the film in the neighborhood where he grew up on 126th and Normandie. With New Line Cinemas on board and a budget of only 3.5 Million dollars and 20 days to shoot this full length film just goes to show you that anything is possible with a vision and some creativity especially when 20 years later it’s still counted as one of the best movies to come out of the 90’s. Some may even call it a Stoner’s classic because every 420 out of the year it happens to be on TV. You can read more about how the history of the movie friday, its story and how the characters were all put together here.
