Say "yes" to No Strings, romcom fans; those with other preferences will like it, too

Rating: 7/10 (27 January 2011)

Emma (Natalie Portman) has always been on the reserved side, not comfortable with wearing her emotions on her sleeve. Even at sleepaway camp, where she first meets Adam (Ashton Kutcher), she has a difficult time consoling him when he admits his parents are divorcing. Later, when they meet again at a college frat party, she fails to extend a strong gesture of friendship toward Adam, despite their attraction for each other. Unbelievably, they meet a third time, when Emma moves to Los Angeles to complete her residency. Talk about fate! At this point, Adam's own father (Kevin Kline) has stolen away his former girlfriend and, once again, needs a hug or two. So, Emma puts forth an "agreement" between these two very comely folks. Could they just sleep together, no commitments, until someone better comes along for Adam? Or, until one of them starts to "feel" more strongly about a future relationship, when they can end it? Adam, who is still lovesick, agrees. Because Emma's schedule is so complicated, they meet for trysts at the drop of a hat. Sex is great. But, with Adam's friends (one is Ludicrous) giving him advice and a co-worker, Lucy (Lake Bell) showing interest in Adam, too, will he be the first to leave Emma behind? And, what about the arrogant young doctor who blithely tells Adam that Emma is his? This is quite a nice romantic comedy but its R rating, for language and sexual content, may not sit well with some viewers. As the tentative lovebirds, Portman and Kutcher are wonderful and so, so attractive. Kutcher, especially, gives a more understated performance than his usual goofball stuff, which is touching. The supporting cast of Kline, Ludicrous, Bell, Cary Elwes, and others is topnotch as well. The California setting is lovely, the costumes are terrific, and the camera work, script, and direction have plenty of style and smarts. In short, dear romcom fans, say yes to No Strings Attached very soon. Drag along others who are skeptical, too, for they will also like it.