Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis in "Friends With Benefits"
photo courtesy of Sony Pictures

Movie Review
Jackie K Cooper
“Friends With Benefits” (Sony Pictures)

Chemistry Triumphs

There is something to be said for a movie that features a performance that is so likeable and energetic that it makes a retread storyline interesting and a lackluster co-star charming. That is the case with Mila Kunis and her new movie “Friends With Benefits.” Just when you think you can’t sit through a remake of “No Strings Attached” she makes it worthwhile to do so. And just when you think Justin Timberlake couldn’t be any more blah she sprinkles him with some of her magic charm. Yes in the movies chemistry counts and in “Friends With Benefits” chemistry is the magic ingredient.

The movie starts out with Jamie (Kunis) being dumped by her boyfriend (Andy Samberg) while Dylan (Timberlake) is being dumped by his girlfriend (Emma Stone). Her dumping takes place in New York while his takes place in Los Angeles. Almost immediately, in her job as a head hunter she has to contact him to offer him a position with “GQ Magazine.” He is reticent to leave LA but eventually says yes. By the time he does he and she have become friends.

Later they decide to stay friends and just have a physical relationship. There will be no emotions involved. They both can see others but they will also meet each other’s needs. They make sure that their parents and friends understand the situation. They are not a couple!

All of this would be pretty routine were it not for Kunis’ charm. She attacks her role with such relish that an audience is incapable of ignoring her. Meanwhile Timberlake gets taken along for the ride. She is so adorable that some of that warm feeling has to spill over on to him.

There are also side stories that are a bit more serious than the “we’re just friends” aspect and they blend in with the overall enjoyment of the movie. The side stories involve Jamie’s mother (Patricia Clarkson) as well as Dylan’s father (Richard Jenkins) and sister (Jenna Elfman). Jenkins is so impressive in his few scenes he should be singled out for honors at awards time.

The movie is rated R so there is more than enough room for nudity, profanity and many sexual situations. Sometimes they are natural to the flow of the story and at other times they seem forced and are there just for shock value.

If you think you can stomach another of these “we’re just friends with benefits” movies then take a chance with this one. It just might surprise you with its warmth, humor and charm. It did me. I went in with a negative attitude and came out with a positive one even if Timberlake was one of the stars. Kunis’ unbridled charm was enough to win me over.

I scored “Friends With Benefits” a beneficial 6 out of 10.

                JKC