Writer: Anne Jamaludin

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: “What Happens In Vegas”, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”, “Valentine’s Day”

From the director of "My Super Ex-Girlfriend", Reitman returns with another rom-com just in time for the most anticipated day by lovers all around the world - Valentine's Day. Emma (Natalie Portman) is a doctor-in-training who meets, befriends and surprisingly had a one-night stand with Adam at summer camp when she was 14. It is just like what most people would say that soulmates will find their way to each other. Fast forward to fifteen years later, both adults meet again when a devastated Adam seeks desperately for a random female acquaintance to have casual sex with that the morning he recovers from his awkward hangover, he and Emma end up sleeping together due to the obvious physical attraction they have towards each other.

Just like a typical romance comedy, "No Strings Attached" brings the typical emotionally unavailable female character in Emma to her counterpart; the ever-committed, happy gentleman like Adam and their struggles to keep the relationship strictly physical. Love works in mysterious ways and this movie brings the lessons one could learn and adapt in their love lives in a timely comical manner without getting a tad bit draggy, slow or boring. Every scene has something for the audience to enjoy, smile or even laugh at. Audience will get to learn new potentially sweet or provocative words (even the gentlemen can pick up one or two of Kutcher's tricks from this movie) ever exist such as 'period mix' and 'tunnel buddies'. This movie even plays with a number of famous pop hits from the beginning till the end that will enhance the romantic mood even better.

Kutcher and Portman's natural on-screen chemistry is undeniably much better and sexier than Kutcher's collaboration with Cameron Diaz in "What Happens In Vegas". This time around, Kutcher gets a much better role to play as, even more intelligent and empathetic than his past record of rom-com roles. While Portman on the other hand, is without a doubt praiseworthy for her first romantic comedy role considering that she is fresh from her award-winning portrayal in dark ballet melodrama, "Black Swan".

This movie should be the movie lovers' top pick in this most romantic month of the year and would definitely be a hit among swinging singles or couples because this chick flick has quite a few messages the audience could relate to. Let the Portman Kutcher duo bring those fluffy, warm feelings to the cinemas and one might just eventually walk out of the theatre with more appreciation towards their partner or being inspired to find their very own real love out there.

Cinema Online, 10 February 2011