No Strings Attached

No Strings Attached asks the question, "Could you do it?" Meaning, could you have a strictly physical relationship with Natalie Portman or Ashton Kutcher--and not start to fall for them? Under the deft direction of Ivan Reitman, No Strings Attached delivers a surprisingly sophisticated twist on the sex comedy genre, with much more nuance than a viewer might expect. The leads are perfectly cast. Portman is light and wily, a natural for romantic comedies; Kutcher, always charming, has rarely been sexier. The chemistry between their characters, Emma and Adam, is palpable and practically jumps off the screen. (Note to parents: There is a strong raunch factor in No Strings Attached; it's definitely not for younger viewers.) The premise is an age-old one--can good friends become "friends with benefits" without anyone's developing feelings--or getting one's feelings hurt? The answers are less interesting than the frothy journey taken by No Strings Attached. A key reason is the script and great direction. And the supporting cast, including Kevin Kline in a welcome return to films, who plays Adam's randy, pot-smoking dad who hooks up with one of Adam's exes. (Kline also contributes a song to the endearing soundtrack.) At times No Strings Attached is so crudely intimate that the viewer almost feels like an intruder on Emma and Adam's private moments. But that trick tends to make the movie that much more believable. No Strings Attached is a frothy, fun comedy, and a perfect date movie--but probably not a first date movie. --A.T. Hurley

Price: $29.99

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