NO STRINGS ATTACHED

The Story:  Emma (Natalie Portman), a doctor, and Adam (Ashton Kutcher), who is working on a television show, are long time acquaintances. When they find themselves living in the same city, they tumble into a no-strings-attached sexual relationship. The things are hunky-dory for a while until Adam decides he wants more.


Can relationships that start off being just about sex turn into something deeper?
Except with hot actors and actresses and tantalizing poster artwork, they also have another thing in common  they are all romantic comedies. And once they are tagged as, there is never any doubt about where the film is headed. These romantic comedy wants it both ways, to smooth their credibility by taking on one are not-we-cool "edgy" theme and yet they do not want to alienate their intended audience by getting your hands dirty with the portrayal of pure casual sex.

Which is another way of saying that despite the saucy set-ups, a romance comedy. Portman and Kutcher are both likable actors and they are quite cute as a couple. This was probably a breeze to shoot her after the intense Black Swan and it certainly speaks for her acting range.

Kutcher, but sometimes it seems to be even riffing on Goofball persona from the TV series That '70s Show. The twist here is that it is his character, rather than the woman who wants something beyond sex, a situation that prompts a stormy outburst from her male friend.

Unfortunately as smart as the script becomes. Emma is dismissive described as having an "emotional pea-nut allergy", which is not a satisfactory explanation for why they are so resistant involvement. It can be quite frustrating to see the film at times as you keep wanting to Portman and Kutcher had stronger material to work with instead of the dull screenplay by Elizabeth Merlwether.

NO STRINGS ATTACHED