The anticipation surrounding Ice Cube’s sequel to the beloved 1995 comedy, Friday, is tinged with skepticism, particularly given the franchise’s inconsistent track record. Initially launched by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh, the Friday series produced three films from 1995 to 2002, each featuring different casts and storylines. Following the adventures of an unemployed Craig Jones (played by Ice Cube), the films became iconic, resonating with audiences and establishing a lasting cultural impact.
Recognized as one of the finest R-rated comedies of the 1990s, Friday achieved both commercial and critical success, amassing a significant cult following. This film not only sparked countless memes and cultural references but also marked Chris Tucker’s emergence in Hollywood, setting him on a path to greater fame. Now, more than two decades after the release of its last installment, a fourth movie, tentatively titled Last Friday, is in development. However, the series’ fraught history raises questions about the potential for a successful sequel.
After The Last Two Friday Movies, I’m Skeptical About A Fourth Film
The Friday Sequels Didn’t Capture the Essence of the First Film
Following numerous rumors about Ice Cube’s desire to revive the franchise, it has been confirmed that Last Friday is indeed in the works. Richard Brener, President and CCO of New Line, announced, “We are making another Friday. We just closed a deal with Ice Cube to write and star. It’s going to be called Last Friday.” As this exciting announcement comes decades after the last film, it’s worth noting the challenges the new installment faces.
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Friday Franchise Overview |
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|---|---|---|
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Movie |
Tomatometer |
Audience Score |
|
Friday (1995) |
77% |
91% |
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Next Friday (2000) |
22% |
76% |
|
Friday After Next (2002) |
26% |
75% |
The two sequels, Next Friday and Friday After Next, failed to resonate, earning dismal ratings. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the original Friday stands tall with a 77% on the Tomatometer, while both sequels hovered around the 20% mark. This trend indicates that both critics and audiences share the sentiment that subsequent films failed to capture the magic of the original. Thus, the question remains: can Last Friday successfully uphold the legacy of its predecessor?
Reviving the Original Spirit in Friday 4
Will Last Friday Be Able to Recapture the Original Charm?
The challenge for Last Friday lies in overcoming the shortcomings of its predecessors while addressing the significant changes since the series last aired. The absence of key cast members, including the beloved character Smokey, portrayed by Chris Tucker, profoundly impacts the sequel’s potential. Tucker’s absence is particularly notable as he has refrained from returning to the franchise due to personal convictions about his on-screen behavior, as indicated by Ice Cube in a 2021 statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Additionally, the late John Witherspoon, who played Craig’s father Willie Jones, left a notable void in the franchise. Some fans have proposed incorporating an in-universe funeral to honor Witherspoon and provide closure while bringing original characters back together. This approach could revive the familiar “lazy afternoon in the neighborhood” ambiance that fans cherished from the original film. Given that Friday continues to trend on Netflix, there remains a dedicated audience eagerly waiting to see what Last Friday can deliver.
Sources: Rotten Tomatoes, X