When Justin Met Mila

Rating: 6/10 (10 March 2017)

In 1989, Meg Ryan faked an orgasm, Billy Crystal droned about "sex getting in the way" of male- female friendship, and the basis for nearly every romantic comedy since was formed "When Harry Met Sally". This film follows the same basic premise...but at the same time turns it completely on its head.
For a basic plot summary, "Friends with Benefits" sees "headhunter" (or business recruiter) Jamie (Mila Kunis) meet Dylan (Justin Timberlake) and try to convince him to move to New York City to work for GQ. After seeing the sights and getting to know each other a bit, Jamie & Dylan (in order to avoid all the "complications" of a normal relationship) decide to engage in a "just sex" type of mutual agreement. From there, of course, things begin to veer off course and get a bit tenuous between the two.
Considering that this type of film has been done to death, "Friends With Benefits" is actually pretty good. Justin & Mila have great on-screen chemistry, the plot is a good mix of sappy & serious, and (at times) it will make you laugh (although many of those will be uncomfortable chuckles if watching with an audience).
Besides the irreverent fare (which would probably prevent this movie from being a "classic" anyway), the only problem I had with this film was how strange it was for the two leads to be playing against type. Usually, Timberlake is the "crazy guy" and Kunis is the "uptight witchy girl"...that is how we are accustomed to seeing those actors. Here, however, Timberlake is a bit more reserved while Kunis goes through a gambit of emotions from beginning to end. The chemistry between the two, as I mentioned, was great, but it was awkward seeing them against type.
Overall, though, this is a decent rom-com that provides (in equal parts): sexual escapades, tongue-in-cheek humor, character development, & an engaging plot. It may not be an all-time great, but "Friends with Benefits" most definitely has its moments.