Now I know what you’re thinking. Why would you see a romantic comedy anywhere other than an airplane? And why would you see a romantic comedy starring Justin Timberlake? Believe me, I’m asking myself these questions and many more after seeing Friends with Benefits. More than anything it just reminds me of why I never see these type of films. Sorry, I’m just not that kind of girl. Friends with Benefits is a terrible terrible film. I’m going to place the greater part of the blame on the writers: people who obviously think they are way funnier and way cooler than they actually are. Truth be told I laughed three times (Three! In 109 minutes!) Once in response to a prop drawing of Kunis and Timberlake, and not at their actual attempts at comedic timing. Another was reserved for that goofy kid from Modern Family who plays a child magician. The third was probably a sneeze.
Every joke was almost funny but wasn’t, missing the mark completely and creating this awkward silence in the theater after every punchline. Most offensive was Woody Harrelson as the gay sportswriter. Get it. Gay men don’t like sports! I know, I’m going to need you to stop rolling on the floor laughing. So dumb. Then there’s Justin Timberlake, and let me preface this by saying that I am one of the biggest fans of JT’s debut album Justified that you’ll find. Cry Me A River, still a jam. I even liked the follow-up album! All that being said please stick to music. Unlike everyone else I despised you in The Social Network (yes, a billion dollars is a lot of money) and in this film when you started rapping Kris Kross in your robe a part of me died.
Did you know that this movie was sponsored by GQ? No? Well Timberlake’s character Dylan lands a job as an art director at GQ? This is through headhunter Jamie (Mila Kunis) and we also know this because “GQ” is said about one hundred times and they even have a shot of Rockefeller Center with two big GQ logos planted on top. Spoiler alert: It looks fucking hideous. GQ, GQ, GQ, Cha-ching! (Will Smith as the Fresh Prince voice). No subtlety in product placement these days. And lastly the most confusing and infuriating WTF comes in the form of cameos from Olympic snowboarder Shaun White. Why the fuck is he in this film? His scenes are so cringe worthy I wondered if you can die from second hand embarrassment. WebMD says no but the jury is still out. The only (mildly) enjoyable thing about this film is Mila Kunis who is easy on the eyes and as charming as she can be given this turd of a script. Yet even she adds to the the stereotype of women in these films: she’s emotionally damaged, the great girl who somehow only dates jerks and she’s looking for her prince charming (barf). Like the title and trailer implies Friends with Benefits are never a good idea. Just say no.
