Enjoyable if predictable

Rating: 8/10 (11 March 2011)

Adam (Ashton Kutcher) and Emma (Natalie Portman) agree to meet at mutually convenient times in order to have recreational sex without the inconvenience of an actual relationship confusing things. The only thing is that he was much in love with her when the arrangement started, whereas she has assorted hangups which make her phobic towards any sort of commitment. However, being as this story is situated firmly in rom-com land (albeit the modern version, which is rife with explicit language and raunch), we know from the start that it is only a matter of time.
And so, with little surprise, it pans out. But that doesn't really matter. Nearly all the characters here are good company, and even those who aren't that pleasant (Adam's initial girlfriend Vanessa (Ophelia Lovibond), for instance) are at least amusing.
There are few big laughs (although a sequence involving flatmates whose menstrual cycles coincide did draw laughter from women in the audience), but the movie is gently amusing throughout. Kutcher and Portman have a pleasing chemistry, and several of the supporting characters have some solid moments (Kevin Kline's has-been TV star Dad is particularly good fun).
There are no surprises anywhere to be seen, but I liked this movie nonetheless.