Billed as an alternative romantic comedy, Justin Timberlake (Dylan) and Mila Kunis (Jamie) are high powered executives at the top of their career. When Jamie headhunts Dylan for a job at GQ magazine in New York, they strike up an unlikely friendship.
Both are unlucky in love and find solace in each others pitfalls. One night while they are chilling watching a DVD, they decide if they can't find a partner they at least deserve a sex life. Who better than each other to fill this void in their lives.
They decide on a no strings attached arrangement, which initially suits them.
However, in time they find that not only does the sexual side to their relationship prove to be a hit but their feelings for each other start to grow and grow.
It doesn't go as planned as they are both in denial about their feelings but when they spend some time apart, it becomes apparent that they need to bring things further.
Friends with benefits is not exactly rocket science but certainly entertains. There is good chemistry between both leading stars. The script is quite racy and some scenes are fairly explicit, which adds to the tepid plot and jazzes the movie up. This is great for the adults as both actors are easy on the eye, but I certainly wouldn't recommend bringing anyone under 16 years of age.
There are sub-plots, among them Paul's father's struggle with Alzheimer's which never really goes anywhere. Woody Harrelson has what is probably one of the worst miscast supporting roles ever, playing one of Dylan's gay colleagues. Totally unnecessary!
Much better on the acting front are Patricia Clarkson as Jamie's irresponsible, heavy drinking mother and Jenna Elfman get's some very funny one liners as Dylan's sister.
However, it's a rom com after all so it was never gonna be ground breaking. There are some laugh out loud moments, snappy dialogue and it's fast paced but I'd wait for the DVD unless you're a big fan of either of the main stars.
Overall, a mediocre night out at the cinema but a good night in on DVD!
Score: 6/10
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