Friends With Benefits (R)

Scott: 

Michael I: Tonight I'm reviewing 'Friends with Benefits', starring Justin Timberlake (every girl's fantasy) and Mila Kunis (every guy's fantasy). Unfortunately, fantasy is a reoccurring theme during this entire film.

Let me forewarn you -- I didn't see "No Strings Attached", the similar-looking movie with the two other attractive people (Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher). So I can't even try to compare the two, although they look exactly the same -- like if "Deep Impact" and "Armageddon" were instead movies about two hotties that think that hooking up won't lead to a loving relationship.

Dylan (played by Timberlake) is a sought-after art director that's recruited by the quick-talking Jamie (Kunis) for a cushy spot at GQ. After an exploratory meeting and charming 'non-date' in New York, Los Angeleno Dylan decides to change coasts. But he's so busy with his work schedule, that he's finding Gotham lonely … and then the two cuties start hanging out … and you can figure out the rest.

So of course two of the most desirable people on the planet are going to hook up. That's a no-brainer. But "Friends with Benefits" tries to break down the proverbial 'fourth wall' by dissecting the typical romantic comedy much like the "Scream" series did for slasher flicks. 

The movie makes fun of the romantic notion that women have of love and how the Prince Charming fantasy doesn't exist. The moviemakers certainly challenge that point, however they also prove that you can't break the Hollywood formula of the romantic comedy. The last movie that I can think of that tried -- and failed miserably -- was "The Breakup". Though that movie crossed so far into the drama category with it's character's frustrations and arguments, that there was nothing actually romantic about that comedy.

What really saves this movie experience for me is the funny dialogue and supporting cast. 

I probably can't repeat some of the jokes here due to the language, but the filmmakers probably figured that they'd be showing so much of Timberlake's bare ass that they could throw in some f-bombs since they were already earning an R rating. Heck, this movie should've gone with a synonymous title and called it "F Buddies" -- but people would probably think that the plot's about high school dropouts, instead.

Woody Harrelson is still hilarious in the right role. In "Friends with Benefits", he plays Tommy, the gay sports editor that's constantly rifling naughty one-liners. I absolutely love seeing Harrelson in comedic roles as he was perfect in "Zombieland" recently.

Patricia Clarkson seemed to recycle her role as the mother in "Easy A" for this movie. She's still hilarious, nonetheless. 

And Dylan's family of Richard Jenkins, Jenna Elfman and Nolan Gould provide some nice moments as well. Jenkins brings a strong amount of inspiration to the role as Dylan's father suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

I guess that I've written this much without mentioning the performance of the main stars, and I kind of took it for granted. But not so! Both Kunis and Timberlake's chemistry worked perfectly. I read a rumor that Jessica Biel had read for the lead female part years ago but didn't get it. I'm glad they held out for Kunis.

As for Timberlake, he found a great role for himself. He was able to showcase his comic timing, yet bring the intensity when dealing with his father's declining mental condition. He's quickly earning respect from this movie watcher.

So this is the point where Mike Fonseca asks "So, Mike, what do you give it?"

I'd give it 3 and a half stars. And if the theater has good air conditioning, you may end up giving it 4. Stay cool, Richmonders!