Friends with Benefits review

Directed By: Will Gluck   Run Time: 109min   Released: July 22, 2011      8/10
The film Friends with Benefits, even though similar in concept to this year's No Strings Attached, stands on its own. The film is about a young recruiter or "head hunter" for hire named Jamie (Kunis), a damaged romantic, whom builds up walls to try and protect herself from being continuously hurt, and a young Art Department head named Dylan (Timberlake)- a guy that can't commit and blames others for his relationship short falls. These two fast become friends when Dylan moves to New York. With both their relationship short comings they believe that they can try out being "friends with benefits" without getting emotionally attached. Can they actually keep emotional attachment out of the equation and maintain a friendship?
The first thing that anyone could like about this film is the story structure and writing. There are some predictable moments in the film (because it is a comedy with romantic tendencies) but you will still laugh througout. Many of the jokes in the film poke fun at the genre as well as traits of the actors themselves. Not to mention that there is a decent balance that wouldn't make a guy feel like he is sitting through a chic flick.
The actors in the film bring a unique aspect to the film, Timberlake's and Kunis's seem like they were made for these characters or were able to relate many elements of themselves to the characters. There wasn't many elements about the actions of the characters that appeared so over the to or unrealistic to the point that the audience couldn't relate to the characters. Not to mention that the chemistry between the Kunis and Timberlake onscreen was hot.
The supporting characters in the film were also well cast in addition to utilized in the film. Veteran actors Patricia Clarkson, and Woody Harrelson added flavor and additional dimensions to the film. Clarkson portrayed Kunis's fair weather, low on parental skills mother Lorna. Her character is the reason why Jamie has the rough exterior as well as but some how fuels her lust for happiness love but continues picking losers. Woody Harrelson  takes on an overtly fun role as Dylan's flamboyant sports editor. The character is similar to the overly masculine man but instead of focusing on women he is looking at guys.
No matter what this movie will be fun for a group of friends or on a date and no one should feel upset about spending money to see the film. Just be careful with thinking about your really hot good friends after the movie because there may not be any going back once you cross the line.