There are a lot of movies in which are created to show a outline of How los angeles was in the 90's. Back in the 90's California was big on bloods,crips,peer pressure, and gang violence. This proves to be true for Craig (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker) who are best friends growing up in Los Angeles, California. In the film “Friday” released in 1995, the viewers get to experience a day in their life. Though considered a comedy/drama, this urban classic has many hidden life lessons throughout the script. Detailing the effects of drugs on a friendship, violence in the community and accepting guidance in life-threatening situations.
The effects of peer pressure exoculate when Craig gets fired on his day off, for stealing boxes from his job. Consoled by his best friend Smokey convincing Craig that since it was Friday and he was no longer employed, he might as well indulge in a substance that would ease his mind “marijuana”. Not knowing the effects of the drug Craig accepts the offer. After only a few puffs he realized that the marijuana belonged to the drug dealer Big Worm (Faizon Love). Smokey officially forced his friend into a convoluted predicament. Causing war between them and the drug dealer. Which consequently led to a drive-by later that evening where luckily Craig and Smokey survived. This proves that peer pressure can have life-threatening consequences.
Surviving the drive-by was only one accomplishment. The duo also faced a forced robbery when the neighborhood bully Deebo (Tommy Lister, Jr) choose Smokey to be his sidekick and had Craig be the lookout for the home invasion of Craig’s neighbor. The invasion was successful but Deebo was the only one that made a profit. Deebo was known for getting his way all the time. if anyone had merchandise he wanted he got it. Rather it is a bike, a forced won dice game or your grandmother's gifted chain. The neighborhood knew not to confront Deebo if they knew what was best for them. When confronted by Craig’s crush Debbie (Nia Long) for beating her sister Felica (Angela Means), Deebo smacked her. Causing Craig to come to her
rescue. Craig pulls his gun out to shoot Deebo but his father Willie (John Witherspoon) tells him to put his gun down and fight like a man. Willie has always preached that “you win some, you lose some. but you live, you live to fight another day.”. Craig accepted the guidance from his father and put the gun down, leading to victory over Deebo and winning the heart of Debbie.
In life, many young adults do not receive the guidance that Craig’s father provided him. Lack of guidance can cause people to make traumatic life decisions. Drugs, violence and peer pressure will always be around, but it will be up to each individual to know how to handle each situation. Making these concepts into a comedy allows young adults to be exposed to multiple issues they may encounter in their lives. Even though this movie was released over two decades ago it still has importance in modern society. This urban classic along with many others continue to teach life lessons to young adults no matter what generation.
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