FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS
As you can guess from the title and the posters it’s a rom-com. There’s even a rom-com within the rom-com, starring Jason Segel and Rashida Jones. The title conveys the premise too. Talk about subtlety. Understandably, The premise: Can two people have a successful ongoing sexual relationship without becoming lovers? Well of course they can’t, but this is the second movie this year (No Strings Attached was the other one) to pose the question. By now most of the core viewership targeted by the movie would know what to expect – the formulaic – meet, become friends, have sex, fall in love, meet obstacles, break up etc etc. In fact apart from the sex part it could easily pass off as any one of numerous bollywood rom coms too.
But I still enjoyed it thoroughly and I suspect so will most of the audiences. The main reason is the “Friends” which greatly benefit the wafer thin storyline. Megastars Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis infuse sparkle, energy and humour in their performances making you smile and want to fall in love. The onscreen chemistry they share (whether they are chatting or making love) burns through the screen. Both are likable actors, the banter between them is enjoyable and most importantly they look nice dressed and undressed. Hard to believe that they’re not a real-life couple.
Another plus is Will Gluck’s (Easy A) direction. It’s a believably engaging effort highlighting the stars’ charming performances. Through the first 2/3rds the movie excels at identifying and then deconstructing the clichés of the romantic comedy. Finally however it paints itself into a thematic corner by trying to bend the rules and follow the formula. But then like I said earlier the audience knows what its expecting and the expectations are fulfilled.
The movie is also bolstered by resonant supporting performances. Richard Jenkins (“The Visitor”) portrays Dylan’s father, whose shrewdness is fighting a losing battle against his Alzheimer’s. Patricia Clarkson (“Shutter Island”) enjoys some of the best lines as Jamie’s flighty mom. And Woody Harrelson brings hilarity to the role of Dylan’s co-worker, GQ’s candidly gay sports editor. GQ art editor = straight, GQ sports editor = gay. Another example of how clichés are reworked in the film.
The final highlight is the dialogue delivered quickly by the cast and filled with great punchlines and a crisp contemporary vibe.
So, no plot description here. There’s no need. No need for character names either. Suffice to say that the non-couple couple spends time in New York City for a while, then they go to Los Angeles, then back to New York.
If a ticket at the multiplex costs Rs. 300, this movie is worth at least Rs. 600. @200 for the dialogues, @200 for Mila Kunis and @200 for Justin Timberlake (and note that either Mila or Justin are present in almost every single frame of the movie.)