Iffy for 16+
Lots of sexual content in formulaic but sweet romcom.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this R-rated romcom stars Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis as adult friends who decide to make their relationship sexual with no commitments (hence the "benefits" of the title). Consequently, there's plenty of frank, direct sexual talk and content, with partial nudity, simulated sex acts, innuendoes, and free-wheeling discussions about sexual preferences and relationships. There's also social drinking and swearing (including "s--t" and "f--k"). It's adult fare, but it does ultimately have positive messages about true love.
- Families can talk about the idea of a "friends with benefits" relationship. What messages does that kind of arrangement convey about love and commitment? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values when it comes to dating and relationships.
- The movie suggests that romantic comedies create unrealistic expectations in both men and (especially) women about relationships. Does this movie attempt to change these expectations or foster them?
- Ultimately, what's the appeal of romantic comedies? Although they tend to follow the same predictable formula, they remain popular. Why do you think that is?
The good stuff
-
Messages: Amid the sexual content, the message is that true love wins out, and that's always heartwarming and uplifting. But the movie makes a big deal about how romantic comedies raise unusual expectations about love ... and ends up doing the same thing itself.
-
Role models: Both Jamie and Dylan have good hearts and are actually supportive of each other. Jamie's mother isn't always mindful of her daughter's needs, but there's no malice, and Jamie is forgiving to her. Dylan, though pained by his father's Alzheimer's, is kind and solicitous.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Not an issue
-
Sex: You name it, they depict it (though there are no full-frontal shots or total nudity): Oral sex, intercourse (in many different positions and places), etc. There's plenty of raunchy talk, too, about both straight and gay sex, as well as open discussions about which acts are pleasurable and which aren't.
-
Language: Frequent (if not relentless) use of everything from "f--k" and "s--t" to "damn," "a--hole," "goddamn," "d--k," "p---y," and "c--k," though not a relentless amount of usage.
-
Consumerism: Some labels/brands, especially GQ magazine, which is name-checked a few times. Some placement of Sony products, including a Vaio laptop and an Ericsson phone; T-Mobile is mentioned.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Social drinking at parties and in bars and restaurants.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Very surprised! by Superconductor
I found myself laughing out loud through much of this movie. Yes, it's predictable...yes, it's a corny, romantic comedy...and no, I don't care if it was just like some other movie. From the perspecitive of sheer entertainment, my wife and I had a great time at this film. JT surprised me...I thought he and Mila Kunis had great chemistry onscreen. And Woody Harrellson just cracked me up in every scene he was in.
Word of warning though. I was surprised that some people were bringing their younger children to the movie. Let's just say this movie has very "adult themes". If you don't want to have to try and explain the finer points of oral sex to your 11 year old...I would suggest leaving them at home! ;)
5
great by crystalpretty
very funny. for everyone
5
Friends With Benefits review by goddessatpsu
Amazing.. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much! Too funny, JT is the best.
2
DRAGGED by xXCASTILLOXx
Was dragged to see this movie ... Tried to put it off as long as possible finally got caught slipping and took her to see it NO BUENO
5
Great movie by lvegas
I was expecting this to be another movie like "No Strings Attached". It was so much more. It had a great story behind it. It was so moving when Justin Timberlake's character went back home to see his father. It was so moving to see that pain and heart ache of the family who are care givers for ailing parents. The actors portrayed it so believable.
4
Better than No Strings Attached by dcp87
Actually quite a pleasant surprise. Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake have great chemistry and you really believe them as both friends and as a couple. Can't ignore the fact that this movie came out shortly after the same premise with bigger-name actors, but everything about Friends with Benefits is smarter: the story, the characters, the comedy (the witty banter, not the sex humor). The movie does poke fun at a lot of romantic comedies but there are several elements that don't do anything different (ex. taking the boat to get back into the city, the helicopter rescue... not necessary) but there are many other moments that are interesting. Woody Harrelson and Patricia Clarkson are also fantastic. All in all, a solid romantic-comedy.
2
Good concept... Bad overall by lorna072001
i really wanted to like this movie. For what its worth, at least I know that Justin Timberlake does not have an ass. It was a good concept to make this film, but overall I was just lost on many parts. Some important aspects of the movie were quite unclear and made no sense. For example, why did JT tell her at the end on bended knee that he "just wanted his best-friend back" and didn't care if he didn't have sex with her again...because he was "in love with her".... yet... I'm confused. WTF? And what was it with Woody Harrelson being the "gay guy"? That was just so unrelated to the movie. I think Friends with Benefits is in its own right and nature something that is confusing as it blurs the lines of friendship with romance, and similarly this movie blurred and was quite unclear about their relationship at times. Bottom line: If I want to see a movie where Mila Kunis is having hot sex, I will opt for "Black Swan" in her ******* scene with Natalie Portman!!!