3/5
(18+) US. Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Kevin Kline, Greta Gerwig
What is Natalie Portman meant to do between Oscar dead-certs? With this wisecracking rom-com she seems to be saying she wants nothing to do with the usual does-my-butt-look-big-in-this? chick flicks. While
No Strings Attached makes a good stab at a mainstream comedy, it’s not as radical as it wants to be and never leaves us in any doubt whether its glossy leads will get it on or not.
The script is frank and sharply observed – but with an annoying habit of dropping in vulgar slang. Portman produces and stars as a doctor who falls into bed with Ashton Kutcher. Neither wants a relationship so they establish rules: no breakfast, pet names or romance. Portman’s chemistry with Kutcher is believable (though Kutcher is the golden retriever of male leads: blandly irresistable) and there are cracking supporting roles from Kline and mumblecore’s Gerwig as Portman’s flatmate.
