Review of No Strings Attached (2011) by Arnold K — 05 May 2012

"No Strings Attached" is a competently made film. The director tried to do something new and modern. A comedy about two people who have sex with no relationship bounding them, It helps them relieve stress and find the pleasure they need in their hectic life. While being a comedy the jokes and gags only hit the target a few times. It is slowly paced so the high level of energy required in a comedy is missing. The jokes either fall flat or just come out really awkward. So you're basically sitting through a fairly boring movie that drags on a lot. Only throwing in jokes from time to time to wake you up.

The actors are good for what is given, but don't bring a whole lot of charisma or charm. The characters are one not and don't develop much beyond that. Natalie Portman is a doctor, who has a hard time expressing herself emotionally. But the character is kinda boring. She only brings life towards the third act. Ashton Kutcher plays a guy who has had really rough relationships. He's kinda emotionally damaged and when he meets Portsman character, he thinks he's found the one. However, he's also a bore and hardily brings life to the lifeless script.

Overall, "No Strings Attached" is a alright movie that doesn't bring anything new to the genre a rom-coms. It fills in archytypes, but doesn't flare it up to make it fresh or entertaining. It only picks up in the third act, but overall it is kinda boring and drags. They tried doing something risky and raunchy, but it just came out awkward and unfunny. I give it 2/5, nothing special or new, but can help pass the time.

"I Sat Through That".