Friends with Benefits

The combination of the beautiful Mila and the likeable Justin is incredibly great. At times (often, actually) they looked really charming together. And Justin Timberlake finally showed that he can act. The whole plot is engaging and full of fresh jokes and situations. It didn't lack naturalness and flair. Unexpectedly, it also beats Kutcher and Portman for me. I'm tempted to overrate it for the sake of cuteness alone; 4.5 stars. (01/08/2012)

I was secretly hoping for someone to finally bring a new angle to the romantic comedy genre, but I was disappointed yet again. The filmmakers slavishly copied the established format. Apart from a decent cast, there was practically nothing to be excited about. Actually, there was something. I was glad that there wasn’t too much pathos to wade through at the end. I was also surprised that there weren’t that many funny moments; I would expect some given that it was a comedy. (03/03/2018)

Entertaining and almost unexpectedly sincere. Unlike the cheap pulp with Natalia that was filmed in this country about six months ago. Although Mila can be a little strange at times, Justin Timberlake rocks again. Although the concluding melodrama is over the top, even there we can find some tongue-in-cheek moments that show that this movie doesn’t take itself too seriously after all. A well-made snack. (11/13/2011)

There is a little bit of life in there, and it's fluffed up by the skillful screenwriter into a very effective dialogue whirlwind. Unfortunately, at the end, the film is hurt by exactly what it had been making fun of for more than two-thirds of its runtime, i.e., the tired clichés of all romantic films far and wide. However, thanks to the great actors, it reminded me that even men have a delicate sensitive soul that can be touched sometimes. :) [The bad thing is that the only significant impression I have the day after watching it is Mila Kunis’ absolutely luxurious character.] (01/18/2012)

Will Gluck is completing a hat trick of excellent romantic comedies. He's not afraid of more vulgar words, daring scenes, and excellent pop culture references, and he nails it. At the moment, he's still at the top with a minus sign, but he already feels at home in the genre. He doesn't let up in the rhythm of jokes, and his romantic declarations come naturally to him (see the underrated Easy A). And when those jokes are salted with chemistry-infused dialogues performed perfectly by Justin and Mila, audience satisfaction is at its peak. Despite being the least thematically distinctive work by Gluck, it paradoxically excels in technical aspects and pace. I also enjoy the weaker 90%. (09/25/2011)