Friends with Benefits

June 10, 2012 - Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis hook up, break up and make up in this romantic comedy from 2011. The recognizable cast includes Woody Harrelson as Timberlake's wise, gay friend, Jenna Elfman as Timberlake's older sister and Patricia Clarkson as Kunis's free-spirited mom. Also look for cameos from Masi Oka, Emma Stone and Shaun White.

Timberlake plays Dylan, a California boy recruited by headhunter Jamie (Kunis) to come east and take over as Art Director at a popular men's magazine in New York City. Jamie shows Dylan around and the two become friends. It's hands off, though, until one night after a few beers, they decide to add sex to their activities. They swear it's "just sex," but they're the last ones to find out what everyone else already knows: It's never "just sex."

Overall review: *** This is a good role for Timberlake, I think. He gets to say witty lines, sing a little and dance a little. It's a role he fills naturally. Plus, he has good chemistry with Kunis. I liked seeing Jenna Elfman for what seems like the first time in a while, and she and the rest of the supporting cast hold up their end of the bargain. Friends with Benefits isn't a great movie, but it is fun, it moves quickly and it has energy to spare.