You know you have seen this movie before, but you will probably want to see it because you either think Ashton Kutcher can act or Natalie Portman is hot. Or is it the other way around? Regardless, the latest romantic comedy to hit the theaters (and now on DVD) is "No Strings Attached", which simply isn't going to reach the success of "When Harry Met Sally" (1989). The bar for the romantic comedy was set rather high and for my money has never been equaled.
The combination of Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher is a nice one for both the guys and the girls watching the film, but the thought that a relationship can be based only on sex is just trivial and insulting to the audience. The jokes will make you role your eyes and the cliche moments of the film will do nothing more than give you an idea of how much time is left in the film. You know that the ending will be a happy one, but you will watch it anyways. I guess the only real twist to the film is that it is Emma (Natalie Portman) that doesn't want to have the serious relationship. That means no holding hands, no snuggling, and no falling in love.
The side stories of the film are even more trivial with Adam's (Ashton Kutcher) father hooking up with his ex-girlfriend, the obvious wedding scene, and attempts to build jealousy between Adam and Emma. The ending comes rather abruptly as all the side stories somehow come together.
Since the script wasn't as tightly put together, the supporting cast helps by lifting the film up at times. Greta Gerwig who was also recently in another awkward romantic comedy (Greenberg) is fun, but Mindy Kaling from "the Office" steals the scenes. There is a lot of eye candy for the boys including Lake Bell, Olivia Thirlby, and Ophelia Lovibond. I suppose some of the guys in the film are worth looking at as well if you are girl, but none of them really stand out for me.
I wish I could give the film more than 2 quacks, but honestly most of us will forget this movie even existed a year from now. It isn't a bad film, but just doesn't stand out for me. The film is the first of a couple comedies coming out in 2011 that takes a look at the morally casual lifestyle where sex has no consequences, including "Hall Pass" and "Friends With Benefits".
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