Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake spark across the screen with real heat and chemistry in this tale of best friends who find what they aren't looking right in front of them all along. One might wonder how a film with multiple naked scenes of Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis might fail to be entertaining, but the film is better than just eye candy. This boilerplate romantic comedy gets a refreshing make-over from director Will Gluck who deals less with the clichéd conflicts between the sexes and embraces the far more complex and challenging territory of friendship, family, sex, sexuality and imperfect love. This is a Generation X love story, and it shamelessly makes sport of the romantic notions that still inspire our understanding of happily ever-after even as it challenges audiences to realize that we've all updated our fairly-tales for the 21st century.Timberlake (Dylan) and Kunis (Jamie) play twenty somethings on the cusp of entering their third decade with the notion that true love isn't worth the hassle. They become friends who play in bed, with absolutely no emotional attachments and, predictably, it all goes well until it doesn't. During a family visit to LA the casual gets left out of the sex and simmering emotions boil over to threaten the relationship that neither of them will acknowledge has grown beyond friendship. Timberlake turns in another strong performance that, while not pitch perfect in every instance, is authentic and rich and thoroughly engaging. Kunis deserves to be billed as the top comedienne of her generation.
The supporting cast in the film help to keep the film upbeat and original. Woody Harrelson has a great time playing an OUTrageous gay sports editor who acts as a workplace guru for Dylan and Richard Jenkins, who's character suffers from early onset Alzheimers, is a scene stealer in his role as Dylan's father. In this collection of off-beat but crucial supporting characters Patricia Clarkson is a real stand out.
Friends With Benefits is that rare romantic comedy that can appeal both to men and women, and that's why its audiences are leaving the theatres with big smiles.
