Longtime Friends Agree to Sex Only Relationship

Rating: 7/10 (17 April 2011)

"When Harry Met Sally" has proved to be the moral template for most of today's romantic comedies, with the key classic statement: "Men and women can't be friends because the sex thing always gets in the way." In "No Strings Attached" Ashton Kutcher, who has become a sort of unofficial rom/com king, has finally realized a successful romantic conclusion after a series of poorly written film finales.
The jist of this film is simple and predictable. Kutcher and Natalie Portman were childhood friends who meet while in college and then later all in the space of 15 years.
Portman, who has emotional issues, only wants a sexual involvement, which Kutcher agrees to. Of course the obvious happens and leads to a romantic and happy conclusion.
There is also supporting help from Kevin Klein and Lake Bell. But, the chemistry and honesty between the leads is what puts this flick a bit above most of the Jennifer Aniston style rom/coms. Even so, No Strings isn't heavy going...just a nice date film.