Advance Review: Friends With Benefits

As sung in Rookie of the Year, love is lovelier the second time around. Or in my case, free movie screenings are better the second time around. Last week I attempted to see Friends With Benefits but didn't get to the theater in time to beat out the other frugal JT fans to secure a seat.

Arriving at the theater a mere two hours ahead of the scheduled showtime I was confident I would get to see the flick this time.

For those that have seen No Strings Attached, this movie will seem awfully familiar--a salacious premise where two young and attractive people meet and decide to forgo the legwork of a relationship and just be sex buddies. You may ask yourself "Where's Natalie Portman?" Having seen both, this former film student would deem Benefits the superior flick. They share a lot of plot points, but Benefits is more upbeat summer fluff. Plus, it just so happens to be in theaters later this month.
Mila Kunis wants Prince Charming and Justin Timerlake wants, well, initially a friend with benies, but later someone to connect with. On a larger level, neither wants to be hurt again.

All the conventional romantic comedy devices are in the film. In place of the buddy and girlfriend, we get Woody Harrelson playing a gay sports editor for GQ, who continues to question JT's orientation, and Mila Kunis' free-spirited mother played by Patricia Clarkson. For the majority of the film, those are the only characters until we meet JT's family. The writers drop little nuggets early in the film about childhood tendencies of the characters that later surface.

If given five minutes, a crayon and a Post-it note you could likely map the trajectory of this film, but with the expectation of a template summer RomCom you won't be horribly disappointed that your predictions are correct. The writers acknowledged the formulaic framework within which they were dealing. There's a movie within a movie, which Timerlake and Kunis watch and comment on.

The movie has its funny bits that utilize Timberlake's vocal and comedic skills. There are also some good NYC running jokes throughout the film. Unlike Midnight In Paris, this movie doesn't convey the love of the city as well. But can anyone really be fairly compared to Woody Allen?

A few other notes on little things I noticed. The film is from Sony so prepare for a product placement bomb of Sony gear. This might not be an issue for you, but as an upwardly mobile viewer with Mr. Mom aspirations, I saw a lot of items I wanted. Did you know there's a smartphone alternative to the iPhone? Me either.

There is a scene later in the movie where Kunis returns to her apartment and talks with her mom. On the TV behind her Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice is playing. For those unfamiliar with films made before their birth, BCTA is from the late '60s and addresses relationships, feelings and sex.

So, if you happen to be standing in line this summer debating whose skin you'd like to see most, I'd recommend Benefits. It won't really make you think any differently, but maybe it will make your date.