Unoriginal, predictable, yet fun; more than earlier films on the subject

Rating: 7/10 (9 December 2011)

This is not the earlier 2011 'No Strings Attached'; it has the same general theme and unavoidable similar conclusion but that's where the two movies part. I don't summarize the plot; for that, see your usual sources like IMDb storyline. In my review of 'No Strings Attached' (which you can read by clicking the 'Jrlock' author link), I spoke of the demographics of the ratings and how it translated to chic flic by a slim margin. The same applies here. However, as of the moment I'm writing this review, the rating of 6.6 for 'Friends' vs the 6.2 for 'No Strings' says the audience preferred the newer film; I do. Instead of a Kevin Klein figure that added spunk to 'No Strings', this movie, 'Friends', has a more sympathetic dad in Richard Jenkins, plus 'Friends' has a support role by Woody Harrelson who plays Tommy, the irrepressible gay new buddy of Timberlake. He's good in that role; Harrelson's good in most all his roles. These two supporting actors, Jenkins and Harrelson, outweigh, in my opinion, Klein's contribution (even if I'm a bigger fan of Klein).
Mila Kunis, who plays Jamie, was, wellWoof! I much preferred her character both for her personality and 'coup d'oeuil' (I wanted to avoid using the expression eye candy again in this review). The part of Jamie was much better written than that of Emma in the earlier movie. Speaking of script, this movie's writing made for a faster pace, to match the hustle character of New York and yet it flowed very nicely. The dialogue blows away the one of 'No Strings', and upon reflection you will come to that conclusion; it is suited to the part of the title which contains the word FRIENDS. And that's what marks the difference between the two movies, the relationship. I wanted to avoid writing about Justin Timberlake because I never cared for any of his 14 other movie performances, least of all the one in 'Black Snake Moan' which was despite Timberlake, is a very good movie; however the writing in 'Friends' was so good that I found Timberlake, in the role of Dylan (somehow it's a name that fits Justin), quite bearable. Most might find that comment petty; I acknowledge that for all who have read some of my reviews and for everyone else, I don't care. Kunis and Timberlake were more convincing than Kutcher and Portman.
Finally, to those who write reviews complaining about romantic comedies, like this one, saying it's predictable etc. etc.; get over yourself, that's how Hollywood romantic comedies are. They also inevitably end in a fairytale like 'feel good' conclusion. It's a formula, a recipe, a mold. Your favorite actors, directors and the good writers are what make you pick these movies, not the bloody story; it's also why you like one more than an other. Be adventurous and watch European movies and then you can write opinions of some value, otherwise stop whining damn it.