No Strings Attached

  I walked into the theater two nights ago expecting to see a disappointing film, but determined to appreciate the free movie night. I was completely wrong on the first count.

  Director/Producer Ivan Reitman (the Ghostbusters movies, Kindergarten Cop, Stripes, Dave...) hits one out of the ballpark with No Strings Attached (Rated R for sexual content, language and some drug content, releasing January 21st). Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher play a completely endearing pair who have known each other since middle school; then they chance across one another in present day and end up having sex. Portman then decides that they should just be "friends with benefits", no cuddling, no expectations, no emotions, strictly physical. This is not a promising premise. David and I, however, found ourselves laughing throughout the entire movie and I even cried at the end. 

  Portman's character is written so well that, even though she is determined to be emotionless and consequently could come off as uncaring, is entirely lovable and quirky. Likewise, Kutcher (whom I personally don't often like in films) is charming, persistent, and just plain funny! You see his good heart from the beginning, and almost want to cheer him on at times. (There is one particular scene where I and many other audience members literally applauded his efforts.) Kevin Kline was also a surprising addition to the film, cast as Kutcher's father in a completely inappropriate and hilarious role. 

  No Strings Attached was so well written and executed that what should have been a cheap comedy with a horrible plot is a completely enjoyable film, whose characters are so relate-able and enjoyable that David and I found ourselves talking about them the rest of the night. There is quite a bit of sexual content and language - though amazingly no nudity! -, so I wasn't at first sure I wanted to recommend this film or how to review it. In writing, I've found it even more difficult to summarize it's redeeming points without spoiling the movie for you.  David and I decided, however, the more we discussed it that it that we think it comparable to Love Actually. It's probably not a film that you would want to see with your parents - and is definitely not appropriate for children or teenagers - but I think you, too, will find you love it quite in spite of itself. I would give No Strings Attached a 4 out of 5.