Review of Friends with Benefits (2011) by Dan M — 04 May 2013

Dylan (Timberlake): Why do women think the only way to get men to do what they want is to manipulate them?

Jamie (Kunis): History, personal experience, romantic comedies.

I didn't really have any expectations with this film, but since it was one of the films being shown during HBO's free-movie weekend, I figured why not check it out since it's free. As it turns out, this was actually really very entertaining, Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis had a good on-screen chemistry and perfect, understated comedic timing together. Although, there weren't really any surprises as far the ending, which was predictable and a little corny, as most rom-coms are, but the rest of the film had a bit of a funny frankness and a humor that rings true. Timberlake's acting chops can use a bit more sharpening but he wasn't awful, Kunis did most of the heavy-lifting and she was absolutely brilliant. But the best part of the entire film was Woody Harrelson, who played gay sports editor, Tommy. He was absolutely hilarious and his atypical portrayal of a gay man was refreshing and memorable. Overall, this was not a bad movie to check out, an enjoyable way to waste an hour and some change.