There are some movies meant to stimulate the mind and provide a meaningful story. &#8220Just Friends” will never be accused of being one of those films, but it is a very entertaining and light-hearted romantic comedy with some funny performances.

The film begins with Chris Bender (Ryan Reynolds), an overweight high school geek, who is about to tell his best friend Jamie (Amy Smart) his true feelings. When the revelation goes horribly wrong, Chris leaves town in disgrace – vowing never to return.

Ten years later, Chris does return, but he is changed significantly. Chris is now a considerably thinner hotshot record producer who has turned into a cold-hearted womanizer as a result of his failed attempt at a relationship with Jamie. But Chris is about to get a second chance, when he is stunned to learn that Jamie has returned to town for the holidays.

&#8220Just Friends” is a little contrived at times (it doesn’t have plot holes, it has plot craters), but its limitations are easy to overlook thanks in large part to an agreeable cast.

Reynolds has been playing this same character in practically every film since &#8220Van Wilder,” but his wisecracking schtick is still consistently funny. Smart is also good, perfectly capturing the charm and appeal of Jamie.

A pair of supporting players nearly steals the film.

Anna Faris gets a lot of laughs playing an Ashlee Simpson type singer named Samantha who Chris is currently wooing for his record label and Chris Klein plays against type as another former high school dork still trying to hook up with Jamie after all of these years.

The talented cast helps to make &#8220Just Friends” exceed expectations, providing more laughs than other current releases, &#8220The Ice Harvest” and &#8220Yours, Mine, and Ours,” combined.

DVD dandy(s) of the week

This week’s DVD dandies are &#8220March of the Penguins” (B) and &#8220Murderball” (A), two of the year’s best documentaries, which are both available on DVD this week.

&#8220March of the Penguins” is a simple film that follows the Emperor penguins on their annual march to their breeding ground – where some experience the joy of birth, while other penguins deal with tragedy and loss.

&#8220Penguins” could easily be dismissed as just a glorified PBS special, but the film features some amazing cinematography and some breathtaking visuals – as well as solid narration from respected actor Morgan Freeman.

&#8220Penguins” may have some detractors, especially those who have voiced concern that it is nothing more than a glorified pro-life propaganda piece, but it is hard to find faults with &#8220Murderball.” This documentary follows the Olympic quadriplegic rugby players and their quest for the gold medal.

Directors Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro create a film that is far more than a standard sports flick. It is a movie that captures the essence of rising above limitations and excelling in life though the eyes of some very captivating people. The most dynamic is Mark Zupan, who just oozes enough confidence and charisma that is obvious he’d be successful in any endeavor he pursues.

&#8220Murderball” isn’t just one of the year’s best documentaries, it is one of the best films of 2005.

&#8220March of the Penguins” is rated G and &#8220Murderball” is rated R for language and some sexual content.

– Sportswriter/movie reviewer Micheal Compton now has reviews available on the Web. Just go to www.bgdailynews.com and click on the Compton’s Critiques link for a quick hit of movies now playing in the area. Micheal can also be reach via e-mail at mcompton@bgdailynews.com.