Natalie Portman's (Lack of) Wardrobe is the Only Redeeming Factor to This Overly-Derivative Romantic Comedy.

Rating: 3/10 (20 September 2011)

This movie follows the sexual trists of Adam (Ashton Kutcher) and Emma (Natalie Portman). Adam's life is falling apart: his father (Kevin Kline) is dating his ex (Ophelia Lovibond) and his writing career is going nowhere. He hooks up with Emma, who has a phobia of dating and they agree to continue seeing each other in a series of one-night stands. Things get complicated, however, when they begin developing feelings for each other North of their belt-lines.
The problem with this movie is its trite treatment of the tired convention of the romantic comedy. In essence, it comes off of a caricature of the genre. It has all the awkwardness of "Stage Beauty" (2004), but none of its excellence. Jilted, uncomfortable dialog (such as "Boo! Here comes my dick.") and genuinely off-putting situations (such as the scene in which Adam makes a menstrual-themed mix tape while Emma and her three roommates, one of whom is male, bemoan that their menstrual cycles have synced up).
The film's on redeeming factor was that Natalie Portman is hot and barely clothed throughout the 108 minute run time. While this was certainly an engagement of sorts, it's hardly cinematic. Only the most die-hard fan of romantic comedies will enjoy the same thinly-stretched plot-points that they've seen time and time again. For everybody else, however, this derivative and generally unpalatable romantic comedy is an easy pick to pass up.