Originally published July 9, 2009 at 3:38 PM | Page modified July 9, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Comments (0)
E-mail article
Print
Share
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).
Latest from our new movies blog
Popcorn & Prejudice: A Movie Blog
Dancing on the ceiling NEW - 7/13, 10:47 AM
Harvey Pekar, R.I.P. NEW - 7/12, 10:32 AM
Waiting for "Inception" NEW - 7/09, 12:15 PM
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
Movie review: 'The Adjustment Bureau': Hats off to a fine fantasy
Movie review: 'Beastly': Fairy-tale misfits who look like models
Movie review: 'Rango': Johnny Depp nails his role as the lizard hero in this wild Western
Movie review: 'Take Me Home Tonight': a big '80s party you may not want to crash
Actor Mickey Rooney tells Congress about abuse

general classifieds
Garage & estate salesFurniture & home furnishings
Electronics
just listed
HAVANESE/LHASA MIX
Huge Baby and Kid Garage Sale
MALTESE /SHIH-TZU
More listings
POST A FREE LISTING
- Madrona dad killed by a bullet as he drove through Central Area
- Matt Flynn has good day in Seahawks' 3-way QB competition
- Brandon League looks out of his own for Mariners
- Facebook messages trigger melee at Whitman Middle School
- Why dealing for Kellen Winslow makes sense for Seahawks | Steve Kelley
- Ex-boyfriend sought in death of Renton girl, 17
- Seattle police twice face hostile crowds at scenes of violent crime
- Komen controversy hurting Race for the Cure
- Juror alternates' actions have court on red alert
- Driver fatally shot in Central Area
- Opponents of gay-marriage law say they have enough signatures
891 - Mariners look to get back on winning track against Angels
477 - Madrona dad killed by stray bullet as he drove through Central Area
453 - Typical CEO made $9.6M last year, AP study finds
166 - Seattle police twice face hostile crowds at scenes of violence crime
131 - Fact check: Ad exaggerates Obama's debt
126 - A worthwhile conversation about charter schools
103 - Brandon League blows save in the ninth...again
80 - May questions, volume seven
69 - Brandon League looks out of his own for Mariners
66
- Madrona dad killed by a bullet as he drove through Central Area
- Driver fatally shot in Central Area
- Facebook messages trigger melee at Whitman Middle School
- Downtown building fetches $55M, thanks to Amazon effect
- Opponents of gay-marriage law get unexpected aid: from Muslims
- A second chance for idle electronics
- 'Tutankhamun' in Seattle: artifacts both dazzling and humble | Art review
- Get a sitter — please — for these 10 great date-night restaurants | All You Can Eat
- Komen controversy hurting Race for the Cure
- Rescued teen tells author how story helped him survive
