Friends With Benefits
When turning our attentions to Friends With Benefits, it’s difficult to pass comment on it without also referencing No Strings Attached, the Natalie Portman / Ashton Kutcher comedy which hit UK cinemas earlier in the year. Although the titles hint pretty strongly at what we’re dealing with here, allow us to break it down: both deal with the issue of whether or not a man and woman can sustain a non-exclusive relationship based entirely on casual sex. While No Strings Attached pawed tentatively at an edgy streak but ultimately proved just a little too susceptible to genre cliches for its own good, Friends With Benefits proves a far more likeable effort, largely on account of a quick-witted script and a fantastic level of on-screen chemistry between front pair Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis.
There’s a certain charm to Friends With Benefits, and it wastes no time in winning us over with a hilarious opening sequence in which Jamie (Kunis) and Dylan (Timberlake) are each shown the door by their respective partners, portrayed in inspired cameo appearances from Lonely Island man Andy Samberg and Easy A star Emma Stone. As the scene quickly cuts between the two, the dialogue is so tightly-packed with quotable lines that it’s almost impossible to keep up, and it’s a freshness that is maintained until the credits roll.
As Dylan and Jamie’s ‘relationship’ develops, we’re introduced to a host of supporting characters, and the standard of their performances means that when it comes to the cast list, there’s no weak link in the chain. Most notable in this regard is the ever-excellent Patricia Clarkson, whose tendency towards playing unhinged characters (see Six Feet Under, Whatever Works and Easy A to name a few) continues to glorious effect here in the shape of Jamie’s bohemian mother. Elsewhere, fellow Six Feet Under alumnus Richard Jenkins plays a blinder here as Dylan’s father, a well-intentioned divorcee who is slowly succumbing to the effects of dementia. This makes for an effective, compelling sub-plot, with the effect the problem has on Dylan’s sister (a typically solid Jenna Elfman) adding a level of emotional resonance to proceedings. Woody Harrelson rounds out a sterling supporting cast, and threatens to steal the show with his portrayal of Dylan’s gay co-worker Tommy. Harrelson is outside of his comfort zone here, but it all comes so naturally, you could never tell.
As the film breezes to its natural conclusion, it’s easy to criticise Friends With Benefits for ultimately conforming to all the rom-com cliches it spends so much time lambasting. However, the final payoff comes with tongue planted so firmly in cheek that it’s difficult to come down too harshly on this. Ultimately, this is a rare commodity: a conventional romantic comedy where you find yourself actually caring about the fate of the couple. Consistently hilarious, quietly moving and superbly acted across the board, Friends With Benefits is far and away the finest film of its kind of 2011 so far.
