Director: Ivan Reitman
Rating: R
The Bouw-Man.
Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher seem like an unusual combo for what appears to be your average romantic comedy. Portman gives the impression of being a very pompous “know it all” person in real life, and Kutcher has always been pretty much a partying “meathead.” Portman is a decent actress, as this year’s “Black Swan” shows. Kutcher, on the other hand, has very limited “acting chops” and I think it’s safe to say he will never have to worry about the pressure associated with Oscar night. True, both Portman and Kutcher are attractive individuals, but as we all know that only a fraction of what it takes to make a worthwhile romantic comedy. From what I can see from the two minute plus preview, they really don’t have that chemistry together that you look for in this type of film. Considering their real-life personas seem to be in complete contrast of one another, they really better hope their acting is really good in this flick. If not, they better play up the whole “opposites attract” angle for sake of “No Strings Attached.”
The trailer is pretty brutal to watch. The dialogue is very weak, and it was almost if they wanted to make the most unoriginal romantic comedy ever made. We have a workaholic woman who doesn’t want to commit to anything, and is looking for someone who can be her “booty call.” Her woman-magnet best friend is more than happy to accommodate her, but of course he realizes over time that he wants something more. I can only assume the woman will eventually come around to this notion as well, and there you have a story you’ve heard way too many times. The one thing that gives me hope for “No Strings Attached” is the supporting players. Last year there have been several romantic comedies that qualified as “good” (“Going the Distance” and “She’s Out of My League” come to mind) due to the fact that the cast (aside from the headline characters) was so much fun to watch. Greta Gerwig (who was amazing in last year’s “Greenberg”), Lake Bell, Olivia Thirby and Kevin Kline make up the tremendous supporting cast for this film. If they all play a prominent role, and are featured extensively, I may just enjoy “No Strings Attached.”
Prediction.
How this film does financially will really go a long way in telling the current popularity of Portman and Kutcher. Aside from the “Star Wars” series, Portman never really has chosen her roles with box office receipts in mind. Most of Kutcher’s films have been a pretty reliable source of money, so it will be very interesting how this one plays out. Let’s say $17.5 million for the first true mainstream romantic comedy of the year.
Opening Weekend Gross: $17 Million
Noodles: Prediction
Unlike his last movie, I find that I'm strangely drawn to Mr. Kutcher in this film. The character seems like a decent guy, the woman (Natalie Portman) is alone by choice and not at all a "poor little rich girl type." (I'm talking about you Katherine Heigl) Sure you can probably figure out where the story is going to end, but it looks like it could be fun to get there. Since its competion this week is a small release film, I say this little RomCom pulls in $17 Million
Opening Weekend Gross: $17 Million
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