Review of Friends with Benefits (2011) by Mira M — 15 Apr 2018

Yes, Friends with Benefits is very predictable. However, the reason why it is such a successful movie is because of Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake. Interestingly, Mila Kunis's now husband, Ashton Kutcher plays the male love interest in No Strings Attached. The two movies have very similar plots; best friends who decide to have sex and remain friends instead of falling in love, which obviously doesn't work. However, Mila Kunis was definitely in the superior movie.

Even though they won't acknowledge it, Jamie (Mila) and Dylan (Justin) are pretty much in love from the beginning. However, tired of heartbreak, they decide to just be friends, until they decide to go one step further, and choose to just have sex with no emotions. Jamie and Dylan's chemistry is undeniable. Their quick and witty banter is part of what draws the audience in. Even though the viewer can predict what will happen next, the aesthetic, humor, and chemistry of the characters are what keep the viewer's attention. The characters are relatable. They are awkward and clumsy and far from perfect. Jamie wants someone to make grand romantic gestures and Dylan doesn't really know what he wants and is afraid to commit.

Throughout the movie, Jamie and Dylan make fun of romantic comedies. One of their complaints includes the fact that the soundtracks of these movies tell us how to feel and what to think. Friends with Benefits does exactly the same thing in this movie but in the most perfect way. In addition to using words and body language to illicit humor, Friends with Benefits uses music. Dylan starts singing Closing Time during sex, which is not the most romantic song to have chosen to sing. When Dylan raps Jump by Kris Kross it is perfection.

At the beginning of the movie, when Jamie is trying to make Dylan fall in love with New York, she shows him all her favorite things about the City. Dylan nicely bookends the movie by showing his love for Jamie by creating a flash-mob with all the songs that have meaning to them.

Dylan and Jamie are what viewers want to see. They have problems, are weird and quirky, and completely relatable. It makes the viewers believe in love again.