Fresh off the recent Golden Globe win for Black Swan, Natalie Portman returns to the romantic comedy genre with a twist on the ‘no strings’ relationship. Along for the ride is Ashton Kutcher , as her would be mate.
Emma and Adam meet by happenstance, not once, or even twice but three times over the span of 15 years all set to some great topical music from the timelines they each represent. Each run in is flirtacious and teases you with an obvious kismet that Kutcher & Portman pull off seemingly easily. In their mid to late twenties, when Emma is deep into her medical residency at a California hospital and Adam bides his time as a B crew member on a ‘High School Music’ type TV show, the two re-connect. Emma’s life is hectic and harried and her ideal relationship with Adam is nothing more than quick and easy sex with no obligations on either side. The two blindly convince each other that they can handle it and the obvious sparks ensue. Mix that with an R rating which grants you the serious side of passion, and a truly funny bit involving the camaraderie of women during menstruation and you see how the movie sold itself.
Portman is amazingly good in this film and not just in the looks department. Even when there’s lull in the story and the obviousness of the next phase plays out, she makes it look good – an heir of almost airy in the delivery of every line. I felt her passion in the job she held as an MD in a hectic ER and how she truly felt when she ultimately saw the value of the relationship she was toying with. Kutcher I can’t say the same for. He’s definitely playing a grown up and I applaud his effort in the 3rd act, but its just not enough for me to see past his tall whimsical persona. Lake Bell (TV”s The Practice) takes a great turn as a speedy, obsessed co-producer on the show. Hyper, attune, sensitive and womanly – she put together a great package for the character. Kevin Kline returns to Director Ivan Reitman’s side playing supporting character Alvin (Adam’s Dad). I love Kline for the varied roles he played including one of Reitman’s previous solid comedies ‘Dave,’ but he’s wasted here. Playing an aging TV sitcom star that floats between a bevy of young corsets is a waste of his talent.
If you’re a fan of Portman (as I am) you’ll find her on display in all her glory. For those who are thinking you’ll see her nude, relax, there is no nudity in the film despite its rating. A couple rear rump shots of the stars is all you get – don’t’ look for anything more titillating.
No Strings Attached is a decent romantic comedy for a curl up on the coach movie night, but not necessarily for $20+ for you and your date at the multiplex. You’ll definitely find sporadic laughs and Portman will shine during the slow spots, but films like this make me wish studios would expedite the dual-release of films both in multiplexes and streaming to these high definition boxes they’re making us buy. This film would be perfect for a Friday night on the couch.
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