Last night, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Luna Palace Cinemas Social Mixer Preview Event for Friendship, the debut feature from writer-director Andrew DeYoung, and what a night it was! Luna Palace pulled out all the stops, transforming the evening into a celebration of cinema and camaraderie. From the moment I arrived at Luna Leederville, the vibe was electric—complete with complimentary pizza, $5 Rocky Ridge Draughts, and lively games that set the perfect tone for a film about the awkward, hilarious pursuit of connection.
Friendship, starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, is a comedic tour de force that delivers some of the biggest laughs I’ve experienced in a theater in years. From the opening scene, DeYoung sets the stage for a comedy masterpiece, blending the absurd humor of Robinson’s I Think You Should Leave with an exploration of male loneliness. The audience at Luna was in stitches, erupting into laughter at every awkward exchange and unhinged outburst. It’s rare for a comedy to sustain such consistent hilarity, but DeYoung’s sharp script and direction keep the energy relentless, making the 97-minute runtime feel like a joyous ride.
The story follows Craig Waterman (Robinson), a suburban dad desperate to forge a bond with his charismatic new neighbor, Austin Carmichael (Rudd). What begins as a seemingly innocent bromance spirals into a gloriously unhinged portrait of obsession and social ineptitude. DeYoung, making his feature directorial debut, crafts a narrative that’s both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply relatable, tapping into the universal ache for connection.
Tim Robinson is a comedic genius as Craig, channeling his energy into a character who’s equal parts pathetic, endearing, and deranged. His ability to swing from childlike enthusiasm to unhinged rage is mesmerizing, and every line delivery feels like a perfectly timed punch. DeYoung wrote the role specifically for him, and it shows—Robinson’s performance is a masterclass in committing to the bit without ever breaking character. Paul Rudd, as the effortlessly cool Austin, is the perfect foil. Rudd’s comedic timing is impeccable, whether he’s playing along with Craig’s antics or recoiling from his intensity. Their chemistry is electric, sparking some of the film’s funniest moments.
The supporting cast, including Kate Mara as Craig’s exasperated wife Tami and Jack Dylan Grazer as their teenage son Steven, adds depth to the story. Mara’s deadpan delivery and quiet transformation ground the film’s absurdity, while Grazer’s understated performance as a kid caught in his dad’s chaos is pitch-perfect.
The Luna Palace Social Mixer amplified the film’s themes perfectly. The games and communal vibe echoed the movie’s exploration of friendship, making the screening feel like a shared experience rather than just a night at the movies. Critics have already hailed Friendship as a cult classic in the making, and I couldn’t agree more. With an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and comparisons to classics like Anchorman and Napoleon Dynamite, it’s poised to be quoted by people for years to come.
Friendship is the funniest, and most unexpectedly moving comedy I’ve seen in years. Andrew DeYoung, Tim Robinson, and Paul Rudd have created something truly special. You’ll laugh until it hurts, and you might just leave with a new appreciation for the messy, beautiful pursuit of human connection.
Friendship arrives at Luna Leederville, Luna on SX & the Windsor from Thursday, Jul 17, 2025.
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