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Originally published July 9, 2009 at 3:38 PM | Page modified July 9, 2009 at 3:41 PM

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Scarecrow suggests | Like 'Humpday'? Find more films about the changing nature of friendship on DVD

Other films about the changing nature of friendship, like the new "Humpday," include "Chuck & Buck" (2000), "Old Joy" (2005) and "Gerry" (2002).

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Lynn Shelton's "Humpday" is the story of two straight male friends who meet up after several years, get themselves inebriated and decide to enter an amateur porn contest with a film starring themselves. But the film is more than just its adult subject matter. It's also about how both long-term relationships and chance encounters can change us, how people often revert to older versions of themselves around certain people, and the sad truth of how people grow apart. Here are some other movies that examine such themes.

Two old friends also awkwardly reunite in "Chuck & Buck" (2000) when Chuck (Chris Weitz) returns to his hometown for childhood pal Buck's (Mike White, who also wrote the screenplay) mother's funeral. In the 18 years since their last meeting, Chuck has become a relatively responsible adult with a job and a lovely fiancée. Meanwhile, Buck doesn't seem to have matured much past his teens and has the annoying puppylike behavior to prove it. Buck tries desperately to renew his bond with Chuck though a series of inappropriate gestures, and the uncomfortable factor grows exponentially when Buck follows the happy couple back home.

There's more estranged friend interaction in "Old Joy" (2006). Mark (Daniel London) is the responsible, married homeowner and expectant father, while Kurt (Will Oldham) is more untamed and off-the-grid. They head out for a trip to a hot springs in the Oregon Cascades, get lost, and over the course of the next day examine both their disintegrated friendship and their individual ideology. "Old Joy" was written and directed by Kelly Reichardt, who also made last year's critically acclaimed "Wendy and Lucy."

"Humpday" features dialogue improvised by the cast, as does Gus Van Sant's "Gerry" (2002). Casey Affleck and Matt Damon play two friends both named Gerry who are on their way to an unknown part of Death Valley when they decide to get out and walk. The farther they slog through the heat and sand without provisions, the more existential things become.

Contributed by Scarecrow Video, 5030 Roosevelt Way N.E., Seattle; 206-524-8554 or www.scarecrow.com.

Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company

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