A movie with (some) benefits

Rating: Null/10 (9 August 2011)

**1/2 out of (****)
Just three weeks after the new year, "No Strings Attached" was conceived. It was a raunchy, yet lighthearted comedy about friends using each other for just sex, with no emotion involved. Simply a mere physical act. Fast-forward to half the year and you got "Friends with Benefits". With a story nearly identical and characters just as zippy and charismatic, you think the quality would be the same. And well... you'd sort of be correct. The difference is "Benefits" is a slightly better production thanks to a few new tweaks here and there, but technically, it really is just the same movie.
Let's start off with the performances. Kunis and Timberlake have decent chemistry together, but not as great as I was led to believe. They portray a realistic couple and are enthusiastic and well-suited in their roles, but only when they need to be. The story? Nothing groundbreaking. Some heartfelt and touching scenes, along with the more comical ones, so it's all a win-win. Now for a sex comedy, does it push the envelope? If you thought "No Strings Attached" was a little skimpy on what it promises, then you'll be more than satisfied with this one. The sex is there, it's explicit, and just downright raunchy. Make no mistake here. Mix in a plethora of sex jokes and multiple f bombs and you pretty much have this movie. But to my surprise, the sex element wasn't that substantial. Probably just for the first third.
All in all, is this a film I'd recommend? Yes, but take it as a mild one. It hits all the right notes but it's not as great as others lead you to believe. If you are impulsive and can't wait to see this movie, hit up a matinée. It's a cut above most of what's offered, but it's nothing you have to rush out to see. Overall a decent movie.