As the aliens invade Earth in countless attack-from-above movies in 2011, the beds will also be shaking from plenty of lovemaking.
Friends with Benefits stars Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis in yet another movie about the questionable morals of sexually-active Americans.
Amidst the other three movies about relatively similar topics that come out next year, this one feels the most real. Timberlake and Kunis are two actors that carry a natural charisma on screen. But will that be enough to hold up a romantic comedy that is asking for mediocrity and predictable plot turns?
Instead of forcing humor upon serious issues like adultery, cheating or promiscuity, Friends with Benefits sheds light on the always tough decision of keeping it platonic. But didn’t we already see this movie when it was called Just Friends starring Ryan Reynolds? Maybe the premise is similar, but the comedy is definitely raunchier in Friends with Benefits.
Check out the red-band trailer from Trailer Addict below. It has plenty of partial nudity and suggestive scenes, but other than some limited profanity, it isn’t too vulgar. Though, things might get a little awkward in the movie theater.
The trailer is pretty memorable – to say the least. Think back ten years ago, when Timberlake was still breaking young girls hearts and Kunis was cracking up young boys in That 70s Show.
I doubt we would have imagined those two rustling under the sheets singing ‘Closing Time’ in a feature film. As funny as it was, that last scene in the trailer still has me a bit flabbergasted.
The supporting cast in Friends with Benefits is promising as well. Richard Jenkins, Emma Stone, Andy Samberg, Jenna Elfman all co-star, but were not seen in the trailer. Woody Harrelson also gets a few cracks at the plot in the trailer as Timberlake’s friend.
Of all the questionable romantic comedies coming out next year, this looks the most enjoyable. It doesn’t hurt that Castle Rock and Screen Gems see fit to release it in the heart of summer. It also doesn’t hurt that the trailer indicates the film won’t pull any punches – something missing from most romantic comedies.
But in the end, it is a romantic comedy about sex. How many of those can you say truly rocked the box office and wowed audiences? This may be yet another forgettable comedy, but if it can stay loyal to its premise and skip the corny ending where love always prevails, the filmmakers may be on to something.
Will Friends with Benefits capture the magic of contemporary relationships? Will it be another wasted opportunity to make more than just a rom-com? Sound off in the comments section below.
