Reboot

For the much-beleagured romantic comedy genre, 2011 has already been an intriguing year, with the unexpected success of the female-powered Bridesmaids, a rom-com/comedy hybrid that's turned out to be the most profitable Judd Apatow movie that Apatow didn't write or direct.  And now here's the freshest romantic comedy release in recent memory: Keith Merryman, David A. Newman & Will Gluck's Friends With Benefits.

I spent nearly the entirety of watching Benefits either literally or figuratively sighing with relief.  Finally, a dynamic relationship between two believable, complicated human beings, featuring the kind of strong, fully-dimensional female rom-com lead that I've been wanting to see for years (You go, Mila Kunis), and a male lead who's secure enough to play soft (Justin Timberlake rocks).  Finally, a gay character in the buddy role who's not a stereotypical caricature, but a credible and funny creation (Thank you, Woody Harrelson). 

At last, real crackling chemistry between the two lovers, and LOL true-to-life sex scenes that move the plot forward and develop character.  The sort of zingy, so smart-you-have-to-pay-attention-to-catch-it all dialogue that's been largely missing from the screen since the screwball era ended. A structure that feels organic instead of strained and contrived, that even when it's hitting familiar beats,  imbues them with enough honesty to make the construct seem convincing.

As an added dividend for both lovers and haters of this maligned movie genre, it's all topped by a witty meta-level of reflexive parody; this is a movie that manages to knowingly send up half of the hoary clichés of the romantic comedy while being unabashedly a romantic comedy to its core.  Friends With Benefits is the first rom-com in a long time that requires no apologies.  You can enjoy it without guilt, because it has the courage to appeal to your intelligence instead of pandering to your sentimentality.

Credit goes to the above writers (Harley Peyton also gets a story nod), while the two stars reportedly had some input, which may in part account for the consistently naturalistic charm of their scenes together. Cast to perfection (Richard Jenkins really ought to be declared a national treasure), paced with welcome assurance, this isn't a movie that invites carping.  Sure, it's often visually dull and takes a while to find its rhythm, and yes, it does follow a formulaic paradigm in the end.  But it's such a hit of fresh oxygen to a form that was feeling moribund that I for one am not about to get all nitpicky about it.

Friends With Benefits is no auteurist cinematic classic, but it feels like an authentic reboot for a genre that's been needing a boot in the butt.  If you've been missing the kicks that come from a genuinely clever comedy, hie thee quickly to the multiplex.

Comments

[BernieR]

Pienso que es la mentira.
http://www.blograpidfind.com/
BernieR

[londonmabel]

Glad to hear this review cause I would NEVER have guessed all this based on the trailer. The only things that tempted me were Timberlake, who's generally charming, and Harrelson seemed funny in the trailer.

I was also a bit "??"ed that two similar movies came out at once -- this one and No Strings Attached.

[mernitman]

Bernie thinks it's a lie, evidently.

Hi London Mabel: Superior to NO STRINGS (despite the original script for that having been truly funny) and a reasonably credible romance with great supports/subplotting. My enthusiasm for this needs to be couched in context, i.e. great as a contemporary rom-com, while not necessarily a Great One For the Ages (vs. say, BEGINNERS, which I think of as a great film, period).

[Miss Mabel]

I think I got that context--and thanks for the reminder about Beginners, cause it looks lovely.

We watched Just Go With It, with context in mind ("makes you believe these two belong together.") The daughter was funny, and Sandler was more likeable than Matthau in Cactus Flower. ;-)

[mernitman]

Agreed!

[radii supras]

It's great to hear from you and see what you've been up to. In your blog I feel your enthusiasm for life. thank you.

[jordan homme]

I find life an exciting business,The point is succinctness of expression.