FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS (REVIEW)
Rated
MA - 109 mins
Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Woody Harrelson, Patricia Clarkson,
Jenna Elfman, Lili Mirojnic
Bringing the sexy back is nothing
unusual for Justin Timberlake (JT), only this time it's on the big screen in a
contemporary grown up romantic comedy with the central theme of sex without commitment.
Thankfully it's dealt with a playful edge and lack of clichés.
JT
plays Dylan who has been talked into leaving Los Angeles for New York to take
up an elite position at the headquarters of GQ magazine by the adventurous Jamie
(Mila Kunis). She will collect a finder's fee if he stays in the job for at least
12 months so she shows him around to feel welcome. The night out goes well and
they find themselves jumping into one another's arms. But there are rules. The
pair agree that having both recently experienced relationship fallout's that a
no-strings-attached intimacy is possible, but declaring emotions not an option.
Dylan and Jamie talk more than actually 'doing it', discussing likes and dislikes
in the bedroom in a series of compelling and frank observations.
The
genetic gods have been kind to the leads making the many flashes of bare skin
easier on the eye. Their winning vitality creates rare chemistry and enhances
the rapid fire banter on a variety of forbidden subjects. Sugar and spice has
never been so nice when the objective is something wild, however a love scene
where they keep their mouths shut for a change draws more than just a quiver from
the audience.
An ongoing in-joke occurs watching a cheesy television
soap opera on the lounge together laughing at the fake emotions, not registering
that their very own emotions are gaining momentum. The complexity of Dylan unfolds
throughout the film rather than the first 5 minutes like most empty chick flicks
have a habit of doing. The return to acting by Jenna Elfman (Dharma & Greg)
as Dylan's sister and an appearance from Oscar nominee Richard Jenkins as his
Alzheimer-stricken father see to the dramatic threads of the plot.
Comedy
is still at the furore throughout. None other than Woody Harrelson steals every
scene as an openly gay sports reporter with a one track mind. Even turning back
the clock from 19 years ago, none of his 'White Men Can't Jump' skills are lost
in an enlightening basketball game.
With so much appeal, when
love does eventually conquer the pair, it doesn't matter that it turns into a
trumped up 'Pretty Woman' as this film is so much fun. Of note is the unique moment
in Grand Central Station as a flash mob dance to the one hit wonder Closing Time
by 'Semisonic' and a cute cameo by star on the rise from 'Easy A' Emma Stone.
The perfect anecdote for a trip to the cinema without a super
hero in sight.
Shane A. Bassett
