Homefront movie
7.25 out of 10
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire movie
8.75 out of 10
Disney's Frozen movie
10.0 out of 10
Delivery Man movie
6.75 out of 10
Thor
8.25 out of 10

Saturday, January 22, 2011

No Strings Attached

Friends Needing More Benefits
[Ashton Kutcher, Natalie Portman, Kevin Kline, Cary Elwes, Lake Bell, Ludacris, Jake Johnson]

image from daemonsmovies.com

RANT: Another near miss as I barely got to the theater in time. In order to keep the popcorn-eating belly at bay, I need to get to the gym as often as possible. Unfortunately, the gym and the show times are in constant opposition. Maybe I need to get out to the fitness center earlier in the morning so I get to the Regal theater on time.

SYNOPSIS: After meeting each other several times over the years, Emma and Adam decide become friends with benefits - with no strings attached. Unfortunately, real feelings can't be kept at bay forever.

Ivan Reitman, director of the Ghostbusters movies and, most recently, My Super Ex-Girlfriend, comes back in the new year with his latest effort starring Ashton Kutcher and the recently hardworking and busy Natalie Portman. They star as Adam and Emma, two people who has meet and reconnected over the years - starting with summer camp and ending up in Los Angeles where Emma is a doctor and Adam is an assistant on a High School Musical-esque show. Rebounding from finding out that ex-girlfriend is now dating his famous actor father, Adam drunk dials Emma and ends up having sex with her. Realizing that a relationship without emotional commitment is perfect for her hectic work schedule, Emma proposes that they become friends with benefits.

Of course, the situation is perfect for Adam, as his friends Wallace (Ludacris) and Eli (Jake Johnson) are quick to point out to him. Eli and Wallace, although at odds with their advice to Adam, are comedic with their support. On Emma's side, her doctor roommates - including Shira (Mindy Kaling from The Office) - also wish they had Emma's relationship. They even manage to get their menstrual cycles in synch, although one of them is a guy!

Ashton retains his typical rogue charm and sideways smiles. Natalie proves that she is excellent in anything she does - romantic comedies or bird-related ballets. But even with all the key elements in place, funny and tender moments, and a weepy resolution, there was something missing for me. Don't get me wrong, No Strings Attached has fine moments. Plenty of others in the audience were laughing and crying at all the right moments, but I just didn't laugh and cry as often.

Even though this seems to be a six-cylinder romantic comedy, it might need a little bit of a tune-up.

Worth: Netflix

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