CorneliaL

This will inevitably draw comparisons to No Strings Attached (the Ashton Kutcher-Natalie Portman pals-doing-the-nasty comedy from earlier this year), so let's just get one thing out of the way: FWB is actually kinda GOOD, unlike NSA. Here's what's good about it: Witty, sharp dialogue that's well delivered, great chemistry between the actors, good acting, engaging side characters and side plots. The actors and their characters are likable. The ride is enjoyable and has just enough seriousness to give the plot weight and make the characters not seem like vapid singletons living in a New York bubble. Also, the jokes are funny and often smart, without being snooty. The pacing is also good, although I'll be honest and say it loses some momentum towards the end. It's predictable enough, as all romantic comedies ultimately are (and isn't that why we see them?) so think of this movie as more about than the journey than the destination.

I liked that The Tourist was a bit of a throwback, more concerned with good cinematography than shootout sequences. I also liked Johnny Depp's character a lot; no one does quirky like he does. As for Ms. Jolie's character, well, she's just visually stunning. This is an undemanding, often funny, stylish movie with a gorgeous setting and enviable elegance. It's always composed, which I guess is a problem in a film where lives are supposed to be in imminent danger and some of the characters are flat, as is some of the dialogue.

Really beautiful, lush, intoxicating film. Seductive and inviting. I loved it and recommend it to anyone who is a fan of beautiful, artful filmmaking. ****/2010/09/timing-is-everything.html

Disjointed and hard to get into. You don't get a chance to know/like Liz before the drama starts, so it's hard to care as much about her journey as you should. ****/2010/08/chick-flick-of-summer.html

Wonderful. Rich, suspenseful, smart, romantic and intense. Relatable characters, great cinematography and thought-provoking twist(s). A great thriller, told in a skillful way.