Friends with Benefits is a passable movie. Not inspiring, but at times clever and interesting. I would not rush out to see it, maybe a Netflix (I know, I know you are pissed at them) or RedBox selection.
Indeed Haus could not stop yammering about how much he loves Mila Kunis. He would make strange sounds each time we saw a preview with her. It was unsettling. His adoration for Kunis was only mitigated by his constant reminder of his insights into how this was just No Strings Attached (which he finally notes is neither unique nor really an insight). All things are to some extent derivative.
So, let us dispense with what may be important to many, the film is absolutely saturated with half-naked moments between Justin Timberlake and Kunis. For at least 75% of the audience half of that equation works.
The dialogue is generally pretty punchy. Will Gluck appears to be a disciple of Aaron Sorkin. He favors quick fire dialogue and sharp cut scenes. The style is best captured in the opening break up scenes. He is a much crasser than Sorkin and seems to be obsessed with Web 2.0. The wit is generally there, but the interplay is not as strong here as it was in Easy A (if you have not seen it rush out and do so, it is great).
What works in the film is the interactions centering on dispensing with the pleasantries of a relationship to hone in on the desires of sexuality. The clumsiness with which the characters try to get sexual is pretty interesting. I also think the goofy interactions between friends is well done. What does not work as well is the romance between Timberlake and Kunis.
Timberlake proves that his best as a supporting cast member and does not really have the chops as a lead. His performance as Dylan was rather two-dimensional. He seemed to have a hard time providing anything emotional to the role. I never believed him. I think you could pretty much plug anyone into the role and it would work, it might even be better. He delivered the jokes pretty well. His aw-shucks attitude was good, but that was pretty much it. The character is supposed to be multi-layered but that is not what the performance provided.
Kunis has moments when she really highlights her talent. There are moments of tenderness in her portrayal. She really sells changes in emotion in subtle reactions (yes, in her oft mocked giant eyes). She is quick on her feet and spunky. I generally liked her performance. I would say that she talks more about being a hopeless romantic than actually being a hopeless romantic, which is a little irritating.
The supporting cast carries a heavy load in the picture. I actually wish there was more focus on the other characters in the film.
Woody Harrelson is great as a pseudo-Bear. His timing is excellent and his delivery feels authentic and playful. He was a great selection for the role.
Jenna Elfman is refreshing in her role as Dylan’s sister. She is grounded and effortless.
Richard Jenkins really does a film stealing role as Dylan’s Alzheimer’s stricken father. He was absolutely amazing. The scenes with him attempting to cope with his illness and the lapses associated with it are heart breaking. He crumbles as an intelligent man attempting to deal with the reality that his most important attribute, his mind, is failing him. I wanted to see so much more out of this character. He absolutely shined.
In the end, you have a film that is at times flat with some great punches of humor. The supporting cast often outshines the leads. I like the style, but it might not be the best product. I still enjoyed watching it.
PARSI VERDICT: A film with some benefits but also some unneeded baggage.
See what the other half thinks: Haus’s view.
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