Saturday, January 14, 2012

Movie review – “Friends with Benefits” (2011) **1/2


These sort of movies always cheat because you know they’re going to get together at the end – heck these two are basically together at the beginning, spending all their spare time together, going on dates-in-all-but-name, not really seeing anyone else. Mila Kunis does see that doctor for a bit (played by that actor who always turns up in romantic comedies), it doesn't turn out well, Justin Timberlake doesn't seem to care that much. That's about the extent of exploring the "issues" of a commitment-less relationship.
Director (and co-writer) Will Gluck seems more interesting on exploring the fact that his characters are in a romantic comedy (just as he was self referential about making a teen film in Easy A) - there are jokes about the expectations created by Katherine Heigl movies, they watch a mock rom com (with Jason Segel and Rashida Jones), etc - but even this is kind of cheating, and pointless.
On the other hand, Gluck's direction has plenty of imagination and verve, the film has energy, the two leads work well (I do think Justin Timberlake is more of a character actor than a star). It's just the script isn't the best, with it's stock situations (New York, publishing) pumped up with modern tech references (bible apps, Wii), father with dramatically convenient Alzheimers, no really decent support roles (there are two "best friends" during an opening monologues by the two stars who never say anything and are hardly seen again, and Jenna Elfman is wasted).

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