Friends with Benefits

A smart comedy adds to the subgenre of the sex-with-no-strings relationship, writes Philip French

When two friends decide to try something new and take advantage of their mutual attraction without any emotional attachment, they soon realize romantic comedy stereotypes might exist for a reason.

Friends with Benefits hits theaters on July 22nd, 2011. Cast: Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Patricia Clarkson, Jenna Elfman, Bryan Greenberg, Richard Jenkins, Woody Harrelson.

Friends with Benefits is a 2011 American romantic comedy film directed by Will Gluck, and starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis in the lead roles. The film features Patricia Clarkson, Jenna Elfman, Bryan Greenberg, Nolan Gould, Richard Jenkins, and Woody Harrelson in supporting roles. The plot revolves around Dylan Harper (Timberlake) and Jamie Rellis (Kunis), who meet in New York City, and naively believe adding sex to their friendship will not lead to complications. Over time, they begin to develop deep mutual feelings for each other, only to deny it each time they are together.

Directed by Will Gluck. With Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake, Patricia Clarkson, Jenna Elfman. While trying to avoid the clichés of Hollywood romantic comedies, Dylan Harper and Jamie Rellis soon discover however that adding the act of sex to their friendship does lead to complications.

'Friends With Benefits' follows rom-com formulas as if directed on autopilot, but that's not to say it isn't fun. This is the second movie this year to ask whether it's possible to have sex with someone without falling in love, and the second to arrive at a mistaken conclusion - because of course it is. It's just not possible if you're Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake, and the audience likes you and demands a romantic fadeout. I propose this as a rule: No movie with big stars and a big budget can allow them to enjoy big-time sex and then split them up at the end.

63 Metascore and 6.7 User score

Not only do Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis handle the tart banter with an assured, playful give-and-take in Will Gluck's grown-up romantic comedy, but-surprise, surprise-thereâ??s actually a palpable chemistry between them.

Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis strip down and check the relationship drama at the door in new comedy Friends With Benefits. But can they pull off romantic and comedic chemistry on the big screen? See for yourself by watching our video review!