Plot
While visiting his hometown during Christmas, a man comes face-to-face with his old high school crush whom he was best friends with -- a woman whose rejection of him turned him into a ferocious womanizer.

Release Year: 2005

Rating: 6.2/10 (39,505 voted)

Critic's Score: 47/100

Director: Roger Kumble

Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, Anna Faris

Storyline
Chris Brander has always been friends with Jamie Palamino, but now decides it is time to take his relationship to the next step. The problem is, is that Jamie still wants to be 'Just Friends'. When he runs away and moves to L.A., he becomes a attractive music manager, who everyone wants. When his jet catches fire and is forced to land, when flying to Paris with his newest singing sensation, Samantha James, he ends up back home. To his surprise, he encounters Jamie again, and sets out to be more than 'Just Friends' this time.

Cast:
Ryan Reynolds - Chris Brander
Amy Smart - Jamie Palamino
Anna Faris - Samantha James
Chris Klein - Dusty Dinkleman
Chris Marquette - Mike Brander (as Christopher Marquette)
Giacomo Beltrami - Young Mike Brander
Fred Ewanuick - Clark
Amy Matysio - Darla
Julie Hagerty - Carol Brander
Wendy Anderson - Mrs. Palamino
Barry Flatman - Mr. Palamino
Devyn Burant - Brett
Jaden Ryan - Joey
Annie Brebner - Sarah
Mike O'Brien - Hockey Dad

Taglines: He loves her. She loves him not.

Official Website: New Line Cinema [United States] |

Release Date: 23 November 2005

Filming Locations: Los Angeles, California, USA

Opening Weekend: $9,191,331 (USA) (27 November 2005)

Gross: $50,817,508 (Worldwide)

Runtime: 96 min

Trivia:
The movie was shot during winter in Regina, Saskatchewan when temperatures would go down as low as -54°C.

Goofs:
Anachronisms: When Chris is writing a message in Jaime's yearbook, you can see a New Jersey Nets logo. The logo shown is their current logo, which was not used in 1995 when scene takes place.

Quotes:
Ray: Where did you come up with this theory?
[referring to the 'Friend Zone' theory]
Chris: Some chick f'ed me up in high school bad.

We've all been there...

Rating: 6/10

...the "Friend Zone." We've all been in Chris, the main character's, shoes.

The storyline isn't deep - and it's not intended to be. The plot is simple: Guy secretly pines for his best friend, but he's chubby and considered nothing but a friend. After graduating high school, he goes to L.A. to pursue a career, slims down and becomes wealthy and then surprisingly returns home to N.J. only to reunite with his former unrequited love. Despite how successful Chris is in his new life, at his core he's the same and the object of his affection still makes him nervous. Does he pull his head out of his butt and win the girl or does he go back to L.A.? I won't spoil it. But I will say this - See this movie. It's full of laughs and we can all relate to Chris. His family dynamics are hilarious and I guarantee you'll think, if you have siblings, "I've done that". See this flick for entertainment, not for the answer to life's greatest questions. Expect nothing and enjoy everything.

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