Yeah. It does seem like Hollywood just discovered the concept of "friends with benefits," doesn't it? It's like when Armageddon and Deep Impact came out back-to-back. "Did you like that giant asteroid movie? Well, here's another one with Morgan Freeman!" I like Mila Kunis as much as any male age 18-35, but I'm not sure if I need two "why can't these two crazy kids get it together and admit they're dating already!" movies in the same year. It's only a matter of time before we get "F--k Buddies" with Seth Rogen and Anna Faris.
(Sidebar: How are we feeling about Justin Timberlake as a leading man? He's great on Saturday Night Live, and good in a small part in The Social Network. But I don't know if I'm ready for him in tons of movies. What about music, JT? When will you once again bring sexy back???)
On one hand, it makes sense that Hollywood is pumping out romantic comedies around the "friends with benefits" premise since it's an instant "will they or won't they?" hook. Or, more accurately, a "will they or won't they stop hooking up and just admit they're perfect for each other already!" Only the "friends with benefits" situation doesn't always work out that way. Often one person ends up developing stronger feelings and gets hurt when the other person wants to go back to being friends or starts a serious relationship. Friendships are ruined, or at least altered forever. Sure, plenty of people in "FWBs" relationships go back to just being friends. But Hollywood never shows that version. What we're shown is two people who we know will get together in the end just kinda, sorta being together the whole time. I hope that Friends with Benefits is willing to show the ugly side of "friends with benefits." Will we see the other people Timberlake and Kunis are dating? Will Kunis get jealous when Timberlake starts seriously dating someone, or vice versa? Will Kunis make out with Natalie Portman? Sorry, was thinking about Black Swan for a moment there.
"Friends with benefits" relationships are almost always messy. It's rarely just no-strings-attached sex. And yet, in an age when people are slower to settle down, they're becoming more and more common. If a romantic comedy could really dig deep and show a "friends with benefits" relationship warts and all, it would better reflect modern relationships.
Are you going to see Friends with Benefits? Should I do a GuySpeak review after it comes out? Lemme know!
(Sidebar: How are we feeling about Justin Timberlake as a leading man? He's great on Saturday Night Live, and good in a small part in The Social Network. But I don't know if I'm ready for him in tons of movies. What about music, JT? When will you once again bring sexy back???)
On one hand, it makes sense that Hollywood is pumping out romantic comedies around the "friends with benefits" premise since it's an instant "will they or won't they?" hook. Or, more accurately, a "will they or won't they stop hooking up and just admit they're perfect for each other already!" Only the "friends with benefits" situation doesn't always work out that way. Often one person ends up developing stronger feelings and gets hurt when the other person wants to go back to being friends or starts a serious relationship. Friendships are ruined, or at least altered forever. Sure, plenty of people in "FWBs" relationships go back to just being friends. But Hollywood never shows that version. What we're shown is two people who we know will get together in the end just kinda, sorta being together the whole time. I hope that Friends with Benefits is willing to show the ugly side of "friends with benefits." Will we see the other people Timberlake and Kunis are dating? Will Kunis get jealous when Timberlake starts seriously dating someone, or vice versa? Will Kunis make out with Natalie Portman? Sorry, was thinking about Black Swan for a moment there.
"Friends with benefits" relationships are almost always messy. It's rarely just no-strings-attached sex. And yet, in an age when people are slower to settle down, they're becoming more and more common. If a romantic comedy could really dig deep and show a "friends with benefits" relationship warts and all, it would better reflect modern relationships.
Are you going to see Friends with Benefits? Should I do a GuySpeak review after it comes out? Lemme know!
Maybe there will eventually be a FWB movie where they dont end up together. After all, look at 'My Best Friend's Wedding'. Granted its the only example I can think of, but who knows? I have faith.
Unfortunately romcoms rarely have realistic endings. It's all lovey-dovey, we're-meant-for-one-another, I'm-gonna-do-something-insanely-stupid-to-get-the-girl kinda crap. This doesn't seem any different, although I might watch it because of JT. He should bring us some more music though, you're right CG!
The break up is also a good example of a rom com with a realistic ending. I'm hoping FWB has a realistic one, too, because happy endings always have the seemingly contraydictory effect of making me a little sad instead of filling me with hope that all will be okay. I'd rather see others as messed up as I but making life work nonetheless.
500 Days of Summer didn't have the expected rom com ending! I thought it was a good film, despite the people I was watching it with (mainly males) slagging off Zooey Deschanel's character, I guess they actually felt cheated out of their unrealistic ending by her. Most films are made for escapism, what's the fun in watching something you can just go out and experience for yourself?
Anyway, I'd be interested in reading a review!
500 Days of Summer is great. I like that they showed how even when your dream relationship doesn't work out, there is still someone else around the corner. As long as you're open to love and romance. It's a big world out there full of awesome people!
Omg yes do a review!!!
I'm thinking about going to see it but I could just watch no strings attatched again and it'll probably be just about the same..lol
I fully agree they rarely work out. however with my siblings.. I have 3 older brothers, all in serious relationships (one engaged, one with 2 kids, and one together for 2 years) all 3 started as FWBs.. 2 of those contained my brothers being the "other man". insane? i think so!
Yes, Nick. A review would be great. Hey, and perhaps you could even start recycling reviews for these repetitive movie storylines!
I love JT's music too...and recall he was good in the movie Alpha Dog years ago, but just saw him in Bad Teacher (opposite Cameron D) which should have been called "another silly rental to keep you occupied when you're home sick with the flu".
He is likeable, but for me, it wasn't good casting. What I saw was more like a "charicature" rather than a real in depth character....and awkward chemistry with his ex, and the other love interest. Justin...we get it that you and Cammie are still buds after such a long romance and having moved on. Cool. Now time to go play with some other friends.
Oh, and Nick- Thanks for putting in a question that didn't have to do with someone's d-bag boyfriend! :)
I wonder if the set of Black Swan was awkward after the two main characters signed on for essentially the same role. Or I wonder if it as a more friendly "So, how did you imagine the character? Oh, me too!" type thing. :P
Thanks, everyone! Look for a review of "Friends with Benefits" soon. And it's coming out the same weekend as Captain America. Good summer for movies!