Friends With Benefits
| Directed by: | Will Gluck |
|---|---|
| Written by: | Will Gluck, Keith Merryman, David A. Newman |
| Cast: | Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, Jenna Elfman, Patricia Clarkson, Richard Jenkins, Andy Samberg |
| Studio: | Screen Gems |
| Genre: | Romantic Comedy |
| Official Site: | www.fwb-movie.com |
PROS:
+ Woody Harrelson steals the show in a supporting role, and Shaun White is a highlight with his cameo
+ Richard Jenkins has a small role that's surprisingly effective dramatically
CONS:
- generic (the usual rom-com formula -- all lighthearted at first, then they fall in love, then they get in a fight, then they come back together, fin)
- while some of it works the majority of the comedy falls flat
OVERALL:
it's a decent movie, nothing more nothing less. While their are some definite highlights like Woody Harrselson on the top of his game, some funny cameos and Richard Jenkins providing a real interesting character and a great performance the movie just never feels unique, fulfilling or truly entertaining. Unfortunately most of the comedy falls flat and even though the movie tries to make fun of romantic comedies, it then contradicts that by playing right into typical rom com cliches, but I guess that was supposed to be... part of the charm? They also loaded the movie with 'fucks', 'shits' and just about everything else so they were definitely shooting for the R rating... yet while the movie is about fuck buddies, there is absolutely no nudity besides a bunch of shots of Justin Timberlake.
Liked it, but would have liked it even more if Timberlake's character was played by someone else.
I really liked this. Thought Timberlake and Kunis worked well together and had a good chemistry. I laughed a lot too. Definitely agree on Harrelson stealing every scene he was in!
I'm not a lover of romantic comedies, but I actually enjoyed this one.