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Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis stand side by side in this romantic comedy, directed by Will Gluck. Friends with Benefits was released nearly the same time as No Strings Attached, which was based around the exact same premise. Two close friends attempting to make their relationship strictly sexual without any strings attached. No coupling, or anything boyfriend/girlfriend related. Hollywood continues to dish out piles of doo-doo left and right, with not even a hint of originality. It seems every year at least a few lazy rom-coms are released, it's become a tradition in Hollywood, and looks as if it won't come to an end anytime soon.
"Benefits" suffers from that same disease, but somehow Kunis and Timberlake manage to light up the screen enough with their enjoyable chemistry, that it results in an above-average flick. "No Strings Attached" was released this year as well, based on the exact same premise as this one. Unfortunately, "Benefits" is just a notch worse than it's counterpart. The Kunis/Timberlake duo seems more down-to-earth than a lot of other rom-com couples as of late, something a lot of modern day movies lack. I'm growing somewhat of a liking for Timberlake, he's been taking on some reasonable roles in the past few years, and I enjoyed every one of them. He has definitely matured as an actor, going from a 90's pop-star sensation, to a much more developed and devoted big screen performer. I can see him involved in some large films in the future. He still has some work to do, though. Kunis I've always had a celebrity crush on. She's down-right beautiful, and can act very well. Her recent film Black Swan hit it big at both the office, and the Oscars, as she was nominated for best supporting actress.
While this flick lacks really any substance whatsoever, and the material is lazier than a pot-head on a couch, it makes up for with a great spark from the leads, who throw some witty dialogue back and forth, and honestly make a very cute couple. It works with it's low standard plot devices, and manages to put together an enjoyable enough romantic comedy for the summer vacation students to enjoy.
Fair warning though: it's nearly a 100 minute cliche. However, in terms of a by the books comedy, "Friends with Benefits" succeeds, barely.
6.3/10
