ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ

Ryan Reynolds oozes a natural smarminess, which makes the spectacle of him being beaten, body-slammed and generally humiliated only that much more funny in Just Friends. Conversely, it's his lack of vanity in portraying former fat kid turned womaniser Chris that saves this romantic comedy from an acid bath of vindictive gags. There are other flaws, but for the most part, Cruel Intentions helmer Roger Kumble delivers an enjoyably anarchic romp.

At first it doesn't looking promising with Reynolds looking downright creepy in a fat suit and enduring the taunts of high school jocks when he dares to ask out cheerleader Jamie (Amy Smart). She only sees him as a friend, but 10 years later Chris has evolved into a slick LA record exec with tight abs and a treat 'em mean dating philosophy. He's sure Jamie will look at him differently on a fleeting visit home, and she does - just not in the way he expects...

"WICKED HUMOUR"

At last Kumble finds an easy groove as Chris wrestles with the spectre of his fatter self. A scene where Jamie is chatted up by a rival suitor while Chris lays trussed between them in an ambulance is a great example of how the script balances wicked humour with genuine empathy for Chris' dilemma. Ultimately Reynolds is endearing, but Anna Faris is the bigger revelation playing budding pop star Samantha (Britney Spears meets Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction). It's not subtle - in fact, at times it's plain unwieldy - but Just Friends is still big on laughs.