Its economic message might be fuzzy. Its feminism, too. But best-friend comedy “Like a Boss” rides Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrnes’s frisky and believable chemistry to laughs — some worn, some crude, but more than a few delivered deftly and consistently enough to keep audiences smiling if not doubled over.

The two share the house Mia inherited, the one where Mel came to live as a teen when her own family cratered. They were enterprising girls who grew into inventive businesswomen, all the while remaining best friends. They complete each other. Yes, in the rom-com sense, the film — directed by Miguel Arteta — makes clear. Friendship can be one of the great romances, after all.

Owners of their own cosmetics line and boutique, Mia and Mel’s deep affection is tested when cosmetics titan Claire Luna, played by Salma Hayek, swoops in to invest in their self-named company. They are nearly $500,000 in debt,...