Breezy...!

Rating: 7/10 (13 June 2012)

"Friends with benefits " is a breezy romantic comedy on the lines of "No strings attached "which tries to get away from the clichés of the romantic comedies but end up falling in line.
It is just amazing to see that almost all the romantic comedies follows similar templates of the lead pair meets – become friends – evolve into a relationship – have fun – when everything does hunky dory – misunderstanding crops up – couple of sad montage songs – some advice from significant others – couple coming together in the climax – happily ever after end credits. "Freinds with benefits" is no exception.
What makes it work here is the lead pair Justin Timberlake & Mila Kunis and their electrifying chemistry which is a lifeline for a romantic comedy. The two are there in almost all the frames & you won't get tired of them. Mila Kunis' character is "Genelia"esque ie, bubbly , over talkative , vulnerable yet tries her level best to externalize courage & gumption . Justin Timberlake's is that of the routine romcom hero who has his own share of secrets & vulnerabilities.
The writers Keith Merryman, David A. Newman, Will Gluck, & Harley Peyton have tried their level best to keep the story as fresh as possible & have succeeded to some extent . There are couple of very good moments like the flash mob scenes both at the beginning & right at the end , the one on the Hollywood hills to name a few .It is very difficult to shy away from the routine & those romcom clichés' do get in now & then. Will Gluck has directed the movie competently without leaving any space for boredom. The pace is maintained right through .
The movie has a striking similarity to "No strings attached" especially the central theme is the same but enjoyable all the same. But the characters are more adorable & the movie has more lively moments than that of the former .
On the whole , "Friends with Benefits" is a nice time pass. Go for it.
Bottomline : Breezy...!