Funny Litle Gem
Found this movie while surfing one night and recorded it. Didn't give it much thought until almost a month later (yes, my DVR is full). I was not expecting much from it, but I adore Allison Brie so what did I have to lose?
Brie's Laney has a one night stand in college with Jason Sudekis' Jake. They don't see each other again until 12 years later when they run into each other at a sexual addiction group. Laney has been pining for Matt (an obnoxious Adam Scott), who only sees her as a booty call and is engaged, while Jake wrecks all his relationships by cheating. They reconnect and decide to be friends without benefits. If this sounds familiar, its because its basically the plot of When Harry Met Sally updated for a younger crowd.
Brie and Sudekis are very likable actors. They imbue Laney and Jake with wit, charm, and a sense of emotional insecurity. They date other people, but always come back to each other for support and friendship. Its sweet and cute, but there is always an underlying sexual tension.
There are some great scenes that make the movie worth watching. Laney takes her current boyfriend (a cameo by Adam Brody) to dinner to break the news to him that she has been cheating. Its a public place but he erupts hilariously anyway. Another scene where Jake shows Laney how to get herself off by inserting his fingers into a clear juice bottle is pretty erotic and funny at the same time.
The supporting cast is about what you'd expect in these movies. Jason Mantzoukas and Natasha Lyonne are the requisite best friends who offer advice on love. Amanda Peet plays Sudekis' boss whom he begins a serious affair. Peet's character is extremely well drawn and acted. She's not just a plot device. Her relationship with Jake is multi-dimensional and very real.
The real charm of this film are the two leads. Sudekis and Brie have a nice chemistry and the relationship is well handled. As rom/coms go, this a was a smart, sexy movie.
My memory foam pillow says it can't remember my face. I can tell its lying.