Mega producer Ivan Reitman has been producing and directing comedies for over 30 years. He directs and produces a standard romantic comedy here, and that is not such a bad thing. No Strings Attached is amusing, even if it is predicable. But Natalie Portman and a remarkable cast of supporting actors give this unremarkable comedy added laughs and energy.

Medical student Emma (Natalie Portman) is too busy for commitment, and a little bit afraid. When she reconnects with childhood acquaintance Adam (Ashton Kutcher), she proposes a sex only relationship. Adam agrees, but he wants more from Emma. But Adam has to contend with his womanizing superstar father Alvin (Kevin Kline) and his job on a television show. As Emma prepares for her sister Katie’s (Olivia Thirlby) wedding, she must decide if Adam is worthy of a commitment.

No Strings Attached is filled with steamy scenes of Emma and Adam having athletic sex in a variety of places. But more interesting than their burgeoning relationship is the relationship each has with friends and family. Emma lives with lively friends and fellow medical students Patrice (Greta Gerwig) and Shira (Mindy Kaling) and has a close relationship with sister Katie. I loved the scenes in Emma’s apartment as she banters with her wisecracking roommates. I enjoyed watching Adam contend with his childish father and intense co-worker Lucy (Lake Bell), as well as friends Wallace (Ludacris) and Eli (Jake M. Johnson). For me, the best scenes in the film featured these appealing characters, played with great energy and humor by an unusually strong supporting cast.

I am not sure whether to credit mainstream director Ivan Reitman or executive producer Natalie Portman for gathering such a quirky and appealing group of indie actors here, but I am very grateful. They made this film something more than just another hum drum romantic comedy. Indie actress Gerwig, so wonderful in last year’s Greenberg, delivers another terrifically funny and understated performance here. The Office’s Mindy Kaling is charming and adorable. Lake Bell is hilarious as the nervous and intense Lucy, and I found myself rooting for her as she flirts with Adam.  I love Olivia Thirlby in everything, and one of my favorite scenes is when Katie attempts to console Emma as they talk on the phone. “How much money do you have?” Katie asks. When she hears that Emma has less than ten dollars, Katie somberly instructs Emma on what to order from Dunkin Donuts. I was completely charmed by all of these actresses.  As for the men, Kevin Kline is hilarious as usual as Adam’s father Alvin, and he somehow makes this despicable character likable. Jake M. Johnson, whose performance I enjoyed in Paperheart, is funny and appealing as Eli, Adam’s roommate.

I am not an Ashton Kutcher fan, and he gives a performance very similar to the one he gave in the Valentine’s Day. In both films he plays a big goofy guy. It is nice to see Portman in a comedy after her dark performance in Black Swan. She is funny and radiant here and I was invested in all of her scenes, even the ones with Kutcher. She has great chemistry with everyone here, and she made me care about Emma.

Was I thinking about the film for days or even minutes after it was over? No, but it was fun and diverting while I watched it.

No Strings Attached. Directed by Ivan Reitman. Natalie Portman (Emma), Ashton Kutcher (Adam), Kevin Kline (Alvin), Cary Elwes (Dr. Metzner), Greta Gerwig (Patrice), Olivia Thirlby (Katie), Ludacris (Wallace), Jake M. Johnson(Eli),Mindy Kaling(Shira)and Lake Bell (Lucy).  Paramount Pictures, 2011.

Gail sees a movie appears every Wednesday.

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