The romantic comedy genre is one that is usually filled with cliches and tired ideas; "No Strings Attached" is no exception. The film stars Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher and features a storyline that most people could easily figure out from the title alone. That predictability does not mean the entire movie is awful, as Portman and Kutcher keep things light with goofy smiles and some charm, but weak situations and unfunny jokes dominate the movie.
The premise of "No Strings Attached" is a comedy staple: the belief that you can have sex with a friend without getting emotionally attached or making the relationship awkward. In these films, it is always easier said than done. It does not take much foresight from the audience to know that when Emma (Portman) and Adam (Kutcher) agree to keep their relationship at just sex, someone will have difficulty with it. What sets this film slightly apart, but also makes it more off−putting, is that it does not shy away from raunch. What at first glance appears to be a goofy film often becomes uncomfortable as it pushes jokes beyond where most romantic comedies would go.
Portman is not given much to do with her thinly drawn character, an overworked doctor who simply wants sex and has no time for a relationship. She has great appeal as an actress, but even that cannot help the clumsy and unentertaining writing.
It is surprising to see Portman in this role, as she is usually featured in less−mainstream, more thought−provoking films. It is especially jarring because the movie is in theaters at the same time as "Black Swan" (2010), the critically acclaimed film for which Portman is garnering considerable Oscar attention. She will not be receiving the same notice for her work here.
Though moviegoers may expect more from Portman, this film is right up Kutcher's alley. Unsurprisingly, he plays an underachiever who has below−average intelligence but is good−natured and goofy enough to be likable when he is on screen. Kutcher plays well in the sillier scenes, but anytime any real emotion or connection is needed from his character he falls rather flat. It gives Adam a very one−dimensional feel and drains much of the film's chemistry.
The supporting cast does not fare much better than the film's leads. Actors such as Ludacris, Kevin Kline and Greta Gerwig are given stereotypical roles for romantic comedies. Ludacris plays Adam's friend, who has nothing better to do with his life than listen to Adam talk about his relationships. It is a particularly worn part that is seemingly featured in every single romantic comedy.
None of the supporting actors is particularly bad; it's just that they are all rather forgettable and do not help elevate the story, jokes or main characters. It's a shame, because the supporting actors are actually talented, but are given very little to work with and end up looking lame on screen.
Director Ivan Reitman seems content in making "No Strings Attached" a carbon copy of previous romantic comedies, which is unfortunate. Reitman has made some hilarious — and unique — films in the past, including "Ghostbusters" (1984), a film that has certainly stood the test of time, but he does not repeat that magic in this picture. Not even close.
The bland situations and bad jokes that hinder "No Strings Attached," despite its talented cast, make it forgettable and weak. You know immediately what you are getting coming into this film, and it isn't much.
