Friends With Benefits (2011) Review

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Synopsis:

Some friends come with a happy ending.

Dylan and Jamie think it’s going to be easy to add the simple act of sex to their friendship, despite what Hollywood romantic comedies would have them believe. They soon discover, however, that getting physical really does always lead to complications.

Review

Rom Coms. There aren’t many out today that are VERY original. With the same old story, tried and tested. So even though I had seen the trailer for this film, I was hoping it would be done differently. I am glad to say it was an enjoyable film and had a slightly different vibe in the sense of story. It was a tad clichéd, but don’t let it take you away from the film, that would be rather unfair as the journey they go on…is a fun one.

The story begins with a cool intro to our leads, who we will be following for the duration of the film. Jamie (Mila Kunis) and Dylan (Justin Timberlake) are very well teamed up and have great chemistry together. It was fun to watch their banter and how they communicated between each other. It almost felt as though they should be together. Throw in a few boisterous and zany characters and you have a great cast that comes through nicely on screen. On a side note, I would like to point out that this is Justin Timberlake’s first major starring role as a lead and would have to say he does a sterling job! It’s quite an achievement going from boy band, to solo artist and now an Actor.

The film goes along at a fair pace so you shouldn’t get bored. The story does take you a little off guard at times and makes you wonder, ok what next? There is some comedy, but it’s placed in dribs and drabs throughout the film, so don’t go into the movie theatre expecting a laugh-a-thon from start to finish. I enjoyed how the story grew and developed as I learnt more about our intrepid duo. It made me care more about them which is always a good thing. If you can feel even a small emotional bond with the characters, it can make it seem more real.

The special effects in this film were just wild! No, I jest. Sparks do go flying, but not under the same pretence. With that, I have to mention there is a fair amount of sex that happens, though it is done tastefully enough as not to disturb. If you are worrying about nudity, there is next to none. Then again, the Age Restriction is there for a reason. The only real gripe I had with the film is at how fast it wraps up. I felt it was just a little rushed and didn’t feel as natural as it should have. It is a small irk that shouldn’t bother most viewers.

The cinematography is very pretty as we are taken through New York City and Los Angelos. We get some great scenes from both cities, which include a brief comparison between the two which was a nice touch. The thing with Romantic comedies is that they are character driven. And for me, this film does that very well. You get to know them on a personal level, naturally…not all in one gulp which makes it feel more realistic. So even if the story can be clichéd, it is fun to watch how the characters play out their roles, how they deal with love and ultimately, what makes them human.

At the end of the day, FWB is exactly what it is. You get to learn about the characters, become friends with them and benefit from seeing how their story plays out without getting involved! It has been quite a successful at the box office, costing $35million and grossing $111million.

Worth the watch if, you are wanting a slightly different Rom-Com, are fans of the actors or just want something fun to watch.

Trailer

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