Culture

Director: Will Gluck (3/5)

If you’re someone who loves the occasional film that can be ingested passively – a comfortingly familiar storyline, light comedy, attractive people, pretty set-ups and, of course, lots of romance-y stuff, even some sex – then Friends with Benefits is the film for you.
 
Yes, yes, it is exactly the same premise as this year’s No Strings Attached. If you aren’t familiar, both films centre around a guy and a girl who find each other attractive but for various reasons can’t be bothered with a relationship, so decide to keep it no more than physical. But – agh, complications! Feelings arise!
 
Here’s the flimsy plot: Justin Timberlake – aka Dylan – is moving to New York from LA for a new job at GQ. And GQ’s Executive Recruiter turns out to be the gorgeous Mila Kunis (I mean, Jamie). They’ve both got ‘emotional issues’, they’re both gorgeous, and sex inevitably comes up. But neither of them want commitment or feelings involved; so they say.
 
A lot of sex ensues. It’s almost liberating how blasé the film is about it; even sodomy gets a mention (but they keep it R-rated, folks). The two leads have fantastic chemistry, meaning that even the most potentially awkward scenes are both sexy and hilarious. The characterisation is weak – Justin Timberlake’s cockiness renders his ‘nerdy’ character completely unbelievable, and likewise Mila Kunis’ confident charm thwarts her attempts to play the damaged, needy girl. But why do we care? They’re so fun to watch, particularly when Justin reveals his inner musician, at one point breaking into “Jump” by Kriss Kross.
 
To be honest, the comedy and sex are the best bits of the movie. All the emotional stuff, the family issues, insecurity, loneliness, etc., isn’t so good at hitting the mark. It’s all a bit saccharine, particularly the finale: think an epically orchestrated flash-dance and lots of crying.
 
This well-used storyline might seem implausible. As if, when involved in a purely sexual relationship with Mila Kunis, a real guy would screw it up by falling in love with her. But did you know that, according to research, men fall in love more often and more deeply than women? Perhaps Friends with Benefits and the many other films of its ilk can teach us something about the realities of romance.