Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
Just Friends co-stars Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart reunited for a so-called “self-funded sequel” that turned out to be not quite what it seemed. Unbeknownst to Smart, the “sequel” is really an ad for Reynolds’ alcohol brand, Aviation American Gin.
The ad shows the duo reprising their roles of Jamie Palamino and Chris Brander, 18 years after Just Friends was first released. They appear to be filming a scene where her character comes home from a bad day at work, where they “ran out of Aviation American Gin.” But Smart just can’t get past how “weird” it is to be shooting entirely in front of a green screen — a creative choice which appears to be a subtle dig at the CGI-addled superhero films.
She eventually realizes that the “self-funded sequel” is a ruse to get her to film a “stupid ad” for Reynolds’ gin company.
Reynolds tries to explain, “Well, let’s not rush to judgement before all the facts are in. This is a self-funded sequel predicated on a loose interpretation of IP laws, so… Yes, it is a ad for my Aviation American Gin.”
Smart then stomps off set while Reynolds yells, “Never work with your heroes, right?” to which she replies, “You’re not my fucking hero!”
The holiday-themed ad concludes with a message to consumers: “Happy Just Friendsgiving, everyone!”
Even Reynolds’ Deadpool 3 co-star Hugh Jackman enjoyed it. He commented on the Instagram post, “Weird, dirty, overreaction. Nailed it.”
The hilarious reunion is the first time Smart and Reynolds have been seen on screen together since the 2005 holiday rom-com. In the film, Reynolds’ character returns home for the holidays when he runs into his high school crush. Now faced with the one who got away, his character must come to terms with the heartbreak that turned him into a womanizer.
Scroll up to watch the entire Aviation American Gin ad.
