Friends With Benefits

I’ve noticed something odd. In the lead up to watching the new romantic/raunchy comedy Friends With Benefits, all of my girl mates pondered the same question; why did Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman, cast mates in the Oscar ordained Black Swan, choose nearly the exact same film to be their next vehicle? Was this a filmic version of both turning up to a party in the same dress? And if so, who chose the best frock?

Right from the get go, Friends with Benefits knows it has to fight against the wave of No Strings Attached comparisons. The film therefore tackles this by upping the raunch factor and stepping into the territory of self-referencing humour:  poking fun at the fluffy romantic comedy genre it’s knowingly entrenched in (there’s a particularly good line aimed at Katherine Heigl, and all she has done to woman kind).

But the plot is nothing new. Justin Timberlake is a guy (witty, handsome but disappointed by relationships) and Mila Kunis is a girl (funny, beautiful but incapable of keeping a boyfriend) and when they meet, sparks fly. The two decide to be friends to avoid all that messy love stuff, but surprise surprise, romantic complications ensue.

Having said that; the two leads inject a real spark and chemistry into their banter and relationship, bringing the heart of this film alive. Timberlake has proven he has potential acting chops with films like the Social Network and as Dylan in Friends with Benefits he lets loose such a mix of charm, comic timing and adorable vulnerability that you become temporarily blinded to any clichés and weak portions of the plot. I also caught myself smiling goofily at the screen when he spoke.

 He’s evenly matched by Mila Kunis, even though I have a sneaky suspicion she may be playing an extension of herself. Her portrayal of Jamie, the bubbly, driven, romantic comedy loving career woman shines particularly bright in all scenes in which she’s arguing playfully (which is most of them). All in all they’re a likable pairing, especially in the early and flirty part of the movie and you enjoy their connection enough to care about what happens. Rounding out the cast is Woody Harrelson having so much fun as a gay best friend with a difference, and Patricia Clarkson, Jenna Elfman and Richard Jenkins as family members both helpful and hindering. Director Will Gluck injects the film with brightness, but it tends to lag when the two leads aren’t on screen together.  There are some jokes that don’t quite work, for example ALL scenes with Shaun White.

I’m not going to lie; I love romantic comedies. I can quote you any line from Love Actually and firmly believe that nobody can put Baby in a corner. I don’t really care if they’re contrived, as long as my heart skips a beat when the guy gets the girl. Friends With Benefits doesn’t quite hit those lofty heights, but what it does do is get you involved in a bright and happy story, even if it does descend into some very sugary sweet territory. It’s funny, a little bit edgy, and there’s enough in there to keep reluctant boys entertained. And the best dressed? It seems Mila Kunis chose the Top Shop strapless number, while Natalie went a little more Target Basic.

3/5