Friends With Benefits

Making a movie that tells you pretty much the whole premise in the title entertaining is usually a struggle, but not with Friends With Benefits. It, along with Bridesmaids, has shown that cliched romantic comedies can be funny for everyone. It takes an idea that is usually attributed to college students and brings it into the "real world," but does it with wit and humor. I think that filmmakers are finally realizing that they can actually make romantic comedies funny.

The story follows Dylan (Justin Timberlake) and Jamie (Mila Kunis) meet in the airport in New York and as there friendship takes off so does the movie. At first it mimics their relationship. Fast quick edits like the time spent at the beginning of any friendship seems rocky, but fits perfectly. This editing is not standard for romantic comedies which adds to the underlying idea of the film: mock romantic comedies. This idea slowing fades though as the movie starts to become that which it pokes fun at. Don't let this deter you though, even as this happens the movie is entertaining and funny!

Following a man who is an emotionally unavailable workaholic (Timberlake) and a woman who is emotionally damaged (Kunis), this film keeps the wise-cracks coming throughout. These two actors have a great chemistry on screen and play off of each other incredibly well. The supporting characters were outstanding to watch as well. Every time a new character was introduced it was another actor/actress that I enjoy watching!

The script was full of witty rapport between Dylan and Jamie and some great lines will surely be repeated for months to come. The humor never really seemed to stop to me and a lot of that is due to the script, but also due to the actors' comedic timing, which was perfect most of the time. There were plot gaps and yes, maybe the humor is raunchy, but if you're looking for a movie that many will enjoy, Friends With Benefits just may be the right fit for you!

7.5/10