Directed by:
Will GluckCinematography:
Michael GradyCast:
Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, Patricia Clarkson, Nolan Gould, Richard Jenkins, Jenna Elfman, Bryan Greenberg, Andy Samberg (more)VOD (5)
Plots(1)
Dylan (Justin Timberlake) is done with relationships. Jamie (Mila Kunis) decides to stop buying into the Hollywood clichés of true love. When the two become friends they decide to try something new and take advantage of their mutual attraction - but without any emotional attachment. Physical pleasure without the entanglements. Sounds easy enough for two logical adults, right? Not so much. They soon realize romantic comedy stereotypes might exist for a reason. (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
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Reviews (12)
Who would have thought that a no-strings-attached relationship between Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake would be more spontaneous, likable and earnest than the same sort of fling between Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher (No Strings Attached)? ()
Entertaining and almost unexpectedly sincere. Unlike the cheap pulp with Natalia that was filmed in this country about six months ago. Although Mila can be a little strange at times, Justin Timberlake rocks again. Although the concluding melodrama is over the top, even there we can find some tongue-in-cheek moments that show that this movie doesn’t take itself too seriously after all. A well-made snack. ()
I was secretly hoping for someone to finally bring a new angle to the romantic comedy genre, but I was disappointed yet again. The filmmakers slavishly copied the established format. Apart from a decent cast, there was practically nothing to be excited about. Actually, there was something. I was glad that there wasn’t too much pathos to wade through at the end. I was also surprised that there weren’t that many funny moments; I would expect some given that it was a comedy. ()
Friends with Benefits starts off a bit cringy, especially in the early scenes, but it quickly picks up and delivers one great moment after another. Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake have solid chemistry, and Woody Harrelson steals the show as the hilarious gay best friend. It's a refreshingly non-traditional rom-com, and while the plot takes a predictable path, it doesn't really matter. I debated between giving it three or four stars, but a few standout scenes really make this one worth watching, so I settled on four. ()
There is a little bit of life in there, and it's fluffed up by the skillful screenwriter into a very effective dialogue whirlwind. Unfortunately, at the end, the film is hurt by exactly what it had been making fun of for more than two-thirds of its runtime, i.e., the tired clichés of all romantic films far and wide. However, thanks to the great actors, it reminded me that even men have a delicate sensitive soul that can be touched sometimes. :) [The bad thing is that the only significant impression I have the day after watching it is Mila Kunis’ absolutely luxurious character.] ()
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