Friends with Benefits

So back in May 2011 I posted about the film that preceeded this one called No Strings Attached, and because both films share such a similar concept, I had no choice but to compare them. It seems like I remember Friends with Benefits was slated to release first, but when No Strings Attached leapt in front for the first release, FwB was always gonna be dubbed the knockoff. A full six months between the two really tells the story. NSA opted for a January release, which is basically the time of year studios put out fluff they themselves do not believe in, just to have a movie in the theater. FwB stayed in the middle of the Summer to compete with the Blockbuster films the make up the Summer season. Obviously these producers felt they had a worthy film and they were right. To say I am a Justin Timberlake fan is like saying the Titanic was a boat. Yes, I love everything he does, and then add the stunning Mila Kunis and you have pure sexy gold. As you probably know by now the premise of both films is about having a consensual sex based relationship and nothing more. This is the lifelong goal of well, every man ever to walk the Earth, but to get Women in the same boat would definitely take some doin. In this film we follow a young executive Dylan (Timberlake) being woo'd by GC. They want him to take the job in NYC and leave California behind. He is unsure which is why GC sends their best "headhunter" to show him around. Jamie's (Kunis) only job is to convince people to take jobs. She is freelance and she will say anything to get someone to accept a job they have been offered. The one thing about her is the love she has for New York. Needless to say, he accepts the job and since she is the only person he knows in his new city they begin to pal around. That's it, they really are just friends, nothing more...until the subject is broached in casual conversation. This is where the film goes from good to great and from great to sexy-great. What I couldn't remember was how this film was promoted. I thought these two were lifelong friends, but the fact that they just met made it more intriguing. The chemistry between the two stars in unlike anything we see very often. It is perfect. The cheeky dialogue, well thought out plot, and then the emotional anchor we get hit with late (Not what you expect) makes this movie go from Average romantic comedy to something so much more. As you can tell I liked this film exponentially more than No Strings Attached. Another fantastic aspect no one knew about are the cameos. Too many to count. Stars just keep popping up for a single scene and then we don't see them again. It was really fun. Woody Harrelson on the other hand is a regular part of the cast and I am 100% positive there was a call back to White Men Can't Jump. Take that little nugget to the bank and enjoy all of his one liners for what they are.

**PS- Even Kunis's butt double was nice to look at. I was in my own personal Heaven until A-Bomb ruined it for me with that little tidbit. He was correct, and I am a little sad.

NBM rates Friends with Benefits - Phenomenal