This is an entertaining little romp starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis; while the plot is absolutely predictable, the comedic moments, dialogue, and supporting cast make it worth seeing. It is directed by Will Gluck, and is rated 'R' for language and sexuality.
Friends: Jamie (Kunis) is a New York head-hunter, and recruits Dylan (Timberlake) away from his job in Los Angeles to come work for GQ Magazine. Not knowing anyone in New York, Dylan hangs out with Jamie, and they become fast friends seeing each other frequently, but this relationship inevitably turns sexual. Jamie and Dylan make a pact for their relationship not to turn romantic, attempting to do as the title suggests - be friends with "benefits" - but as the plot unravels we discover both characters have intimacy issues linked to their parents and remaining just friends with benefits is an impossibility.
Dylan cannot fully commit because his mother left his father (and family) after it was discovered his father had Alzheimer's disease, and she chose to abandon them. Jamie cannot commit (from what I gather) because her mother is a free-spirit and cannot stay committed to men in any relationships, highlighted by the fact that Jamie's mom remembers almost nothing about Jamie's father. But, this being a romantic comedy - all works out in the end and they get back together after resolution of the "conflict".
The Benefits: Timberlake and Kunis have good on-screen chemistry, and you could believe the two were actually friends. This is definitely more of an adult 'R' rated comedy because of the dialogue being interlaced with a fair amount of profanities, and the subject matter being more about how 2 adults attempt to kept their friendship and their sex compartmentalized versus the building of their romance. Of course, common sense dictates that in life and in film, there really is no true way for people to be friends and sexual partners without the romantic and/or emotional attachments, as well.
Jenna Elfman turned in an excellent supporting role as Dylan's sister. She lives in L.A., is a single mom, and is taking care of Dylan's father. Elfman was a serious character (compared to her typical comic roles), but still very happy and bright in light of her circumstances. I would also say she was the proverbial glue holding Dylan's family together. Woody Harrleson plays a flamboyant, gay co-worker of Dylan's at GQ, and offers perfect comic relief at multiple moments through the film.
Recommendation: I do not consider myself a big fan of the rom-com genre, but Friends With Benefits is worth seeing. I hold this on the same level as I hold 'When Harry Met Sally', as far as entertainment value.
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