No Strings AttachedThe whole premise of No Strings Attached just sounded bash-worthy, no matter how likeable its stars Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman may be. It's a story that's been done before, both in real life and in film: boy and girl try to keep things just physical, but emotions eventually get in the way. Surprisingly, however, it's faring pretty well.

It opened last night and took in top earnings of $7.3 million beating out Green Hornet who came in second with $5.1 million. Not bad, and neither are the reviews -- all of them anyway. Here's what some of the critics have to say:

"The pleasures of “No Strings Attached” are to be found in the brisk, easy humor of some of Ms. Meriwether’s dialogue and in the talented people scattered around Ms. Portman and Mr. Kutcher like fresh herbs strewn on a serving of overcooked fish. Kevin Kline, who played a goatish older literary gent in “Definitely, Maybe,” does something similarly mischievous and amusing as Adam’s father, a louche former sitcom star who takes up with his son’s ex-girlfriend (Ophelia Lovibond)."  -- A.O. Scott, The New York Times

"Portman will win no Oscar or critics' prize for this movie, but if it's a hit she may convince Hollywood to make room for her beside Anne Hathaway, Katherine Heigl and the other foxy ladies of rom-com. And if somebody gave an award in the undervalued category of lighting up a movie just by showing up and seeming to be himself, the winner would be Ashton Kutcher." -- Richard Corliss,Time

"It's a smart, sexy romcom that turns the neat trick of staying sweetly human." -- Joe Morgenstern,  WSJ

"Not that No Strings Attached is anything special. In fact, it's thoroughly mediocre - but in a comforting, warm-bath sort of way. The script contains absolutely no surprises and very few workable jokes. Yet the actors are engaging and some of the supporting characters even have funny things to say. And it's actually romantic. More romantic, actually, than comedic - or sexy, despite its R rating (which has to do with dirty talk and subject matter and not, alas, nudity)." -- Marshall Fine, Huffington Post

Honestly, I didn't have much hope for the film before, but based on the lack of bashing, I think it's going to make me commit to seeing it soon.

Have you seen No Strings Attached? Do you plan to?


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