Review - No Strings Attached

No PG-13 Strings Makes For A Funny Adult Comedy

A relationship with no strings attached; it’s been thought of as a guy’s dream. Where a guy can do what he wants, when he wants. But what happens when it’s the girl that craves having no strings in a relationship?

Adam (Ashton Kutcher) has had a crush on Emma (Natalie Portman) since they were kids. From an initial inappropriate advance at summer camp to a meeting years later, he has always had a thing for this wonderfully beautiful woman. When he finally meets her as an adult, the relationship skips the courting and gets physical.

This aggressive approach leads to Emma suggesting a “no strings” approach to their future. With basic rules in place, including a “ban” on falling for each other, things remain physical and both the doctor to be and television producer are “on call” when needed. Will either of them break down, or will this simple, passionate “relationship” progress?

From the first trailer, I dreaded seeing this film. In fact, I thought there was no way it was offered to me to screen. It was, and when word started to trickle in that it might actually be ok, I wondered aloud what I was in for. The results turned out to be extremely positive.

Director Ivan Reitman delivers a solid “adult” comedy and the fact that it is an adult comedy is what makes it work. The trailer felt like it would be another watered down PG-13 romantic comedy, instead the aggressive, adult nature of things mean the language isn’t at half speed and the physicality leaves only little to be imagined.

Natalie Portman knows how to work through the comedy genre just like it was home. Working with Ashton Kutcher seems almost natural for her, and the back and forth is quick, witty and fun. The supporting cast surrounding these two includes a variety of actors that I have a real appreciation for including the enchanting Greta Gerwig, the eminently lovable Lake Bell, and the always strong Kevin Kline.

With great acting talent, a solid script, and comedic directing for the veteran Ivan Reitman, No Strings Attached really works. Despite a portion of the movie that tries to get too serious, I found myself laughing (and sometimes cringing) at this film. Overall the strings were relatively minor and I got a bit attached.

B-

No Strings Attached
Paramount Pictures

Director: Ivan Reitman
Cast: Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Kevin Kline, Greta Gerwig, Lake Bell

Rating: R for sexual content, language and some drug material.
Runtime: 110 minutes.