Indifferent.

Rating: 5/10 (4 March 2011)

It has been said by many filmmakers and critics that the only thing worse than a movie you hate is a movie you feel nothing for, one way or another. Ivan Reitman's latest effort unfortunately fits into that mould a little too well. I didn't dislike this new age rom-com, it has its moments, but I left the cinema pondering whether I should get some dinner after eating so many M&Ms and didn't give this film a second thought until I sat down to write this.
Even now, considering what I should mention in this review, I am finding it hard to pinpoint what was actually good or bad about No Strings Attached; the whole affair was just so indifferent. Elizabeth Meriwether's screenplay was occasionally witty but never strayed from the typical 'boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl, boy-gets-girl' template. Reitman plays it safe behind the camera, a shame for the man who was responsible for comedy gold of the Ghostbusters, Stripes and Meatballs ilk.
It would be easy to say this work is below Portman, because it is. She brings her normal allure to the proceedings, but ultimately doesn't have enough to sink her teeth into. On the other hand, Kutcher looks right at home as the affable goof. He's on autopilot for sure, although if this is as far as his acting chops stretch then good on him for riding the wave for as long as possible. Kline and Elwes add experience, if not excitement, whilst young blood Gerwig and Thirlby show glimpses of why they're on the up in Hollywood.
I didn't feel attached to No Strings in any way.
2.5 out of 5 (1 - Rubbish, 2 - Average, 3 - Good, 4 - Great, 5 - Brilliant)