So the plot, surprisingly it's there with such a low rating, feels empty. Adam (Ashton Kutcher) meets Emma (Natalie Portman) at camp when they're kids and meet at several times through out several years (exact time doesn't matter). After something horrible happens to his love life (It's funnier then it should be because Kevin Kline wins, but more on that late) he drunkenly calls around until some woman will agree to have sex with him, Emma answers and skipping some things the two become sex buddies. Then as you can guess, hijinks and problems a rise (Oh No!).
The problem here is lack of interest. The interest is then broken down into comedy, personal involvement and characters. The comedy is... really lacking, probably more so than any movie I've seen. The movie is rated R... this most childish R ever. There's like 7 F bombs, 3 sex themed jokes, two 30 second sex scenes and worst of all... no nudity. I'm not asking for it, but the theme of your movie is sex and they tamed it down as much as possible. Why not go further with the rating if they planned for the R. If they wanted PG-13 but got over turned by the MPAA board (they're complicated) then you fight for it. "Blue Valentine" was rated NC-17 but fought for an R and won, rightfully so. If "Machete" is rated R, then what the hell is "No Strings Attached" doing in the same rating pool?
Then there is personal involvement. The movie kind of just floats on the surface of the water, never sinking. It has the material too with great actors, a beloved director and a R rating, it should be a hit. However the movie just floats around and never gets you caring. I tried to like the leads, I enjoy the actors. Their mismatch is already cute, but the characters make you think, who cares? That leads to the third problem which is characters. Really more or just all Emma. Many critics hated Elisha Cuthbert's character in "The Girl Next Door" to the point they couldn't like the movie. I'd like to debate them on that, but I know there are more cons than pros there. Emma has almost zero pros, I say almost because while I can't think of any there probably are some. Emma's actions are bizarre, selfish, rude and makes you cringe instead of laugh. Natalie Portman is to blame for most of it (once again most). She has a producing credit and helped make this film. I love her as an actress but she does not work in this field. She should stick to badass comedy (think her rap) and avoid this where she is boringly bland. Ashton Kutcher... he does fine. I just expected him to read his lines and not screw up. A tip of the hat to him for that, it's sort of a compliment.
The saving graces to the film are Kevin Kline and Greta Gerwig. Kevin Kline is one of the finest actors out there. Watch "My Life As A House" and "A Fish Called Wanda" and you'll see what I mean. The guy knows how to work drama and comedy like the back of his hand. He won an Oscar for "Wanda" in one of the most deserving awards ever. He plays Adam's dad, a retired actor and is a delight. When ever Kline is around he steals the show. His scenes are the highlight of the movie. Then there is Greta Gerwig. She plays one of Emma's friends and like her, she too "playing the field". She is funnier then her counterparts and I enjoyed it every second she was around. Gerwig has a bright future ahead of her. I've only seen three films with her and she is distinctive and unique in each. After seeing "Greenberg", I believe she can have a bright future. Some have called her "America's next sweetheart" and I agree. Watch some of her interviews and you'll see it too.
So to end this off with a pun of sorts. "No Strings Attached" will never get you attached. It's a shame cause I really was looking forward to it. Ivan Reitman... the director of "Ghostbusters"... I expect more from you.
5/10
Recommendation: You may like more than I did, I'm just saying personally I didn't like it.
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