“Friends With Benefits” initially revels in its somewhat edgy and cynical anti-romcom humor, but ultimately and expectedly, it becomes exceedingly familiar and formulaic. Still, it’s snappy and sexy; Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis sizzle as new friends turned f-buddies, hitting it off effortlessly and agreeing to periodic sexual activity minus the proverbial baggage. You see the complications coming, of course, but this particular arrangement still charms and mystifies.
Dylan (Timberlake) and Jamie (Kunis) are recently single professionals introducing each other to their worlds, intimately knowing each other in more ways that one. They enjoy the expectation-free relationship, attempting to pursue romantic interests elsewhere but failing miserably when it comes to finding the ideal partner. It’s futile; we all know they’ll get emotionally confused after getting it on repeatedly, it just takes them time (and pushy relatives) to realize that they can totally be a legit couple.
The characters are cute and easy to like, even when some seem to whine a lot. Things are kept lively with biting relationship humor (poking fun at clichéd romantic comedies), equal opportunity objectification (by the gay guy played by Woody Harrelson), and hilarious pop music references (involving John Mayer, Semisonic, etc.).
As for gripes, it’s not very believable that Dylan, hailing from LA, is bewildered by and unaccustomed to flash mobs. And when the lovers’ inevitable couple drama happens, things proceed routinely, the forced friction depriving the corresponding scenes of wit. But while it doesn’t break out of the mold (it would’ve been more interesting had the story ventured into riskier territory), “Friends With Benefits” still manages to explore its uniqueness, before deciding to be just like everything else.
“Friends With Benefits” will be having daylong sneak previews on Sept. 19 and 20 in Metro Manila.
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