Chicago Critics Film Fest 2025 Review: Friendship

✰✰✰​ (out of five)

Synopsis: Suburban dad Craig falls hard for his charismatic new neighbor, but Craig’s attempts to make an adult make friend threaten to ruin both of their lives.

Review: Tim Robinson is not for everyone. He gives me vibes of Jack Black light: kinetic, outlandish outbursts. I can really only take Black on limited doses, and I can understand why some would say the same of Robinson here. In Friendship, he seems much more mellowed and subdued, but the persona he exudes is one of discomfort. Friendship plays like a mismatched buddy cop comedy, with Rudd carrying much of the film's credibility and experience. The film has it's moments, but ultimately suffers from an unfriendly schtick that can be tiring. 

**Note: this was seen and reviewed outside of the official festival run**