Inspired by her star turn in this weekend's rom-com with brains, we take a look back at the past lives of Friends With Benefits star, Mila Kunis...
Everyone loves Mila. With her sharp wit and likable screen presence, the actress can light-up a mundane rom-com or sex-up the most testosterone-heavy action film. Starting off with some work on television including That 70's Show and Family Guy, she soon broke onto the big screen with her huge personality and doe-eyed charm. Since rising to fame with roles from the Judd Apatow-produced Forgetting Sarah Marshall, to Denzel Washington-actioner Book of Eli, Kunis is now very much flavour of the month, with her performance in sex-comedy Friends With Benefits recieving praise all around. Let's take a look at some of her best, and worst, moments so far...
Breakthrough role
Kunis started her rom-com journey in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, the role that catapulted her into the public eye and made her one of the most sought-after
actresses in Hollywood over the following years. Surprising, the film got a lukewarm reception from critics on its release, even if Kunis was praised across the board for her effortlessly charming portrayal of the new woman in Jason Segel’s life. Although not the star of the film, she’s made a hell of a lot more waves that Kristen Bell since. Word has it that she also landed the role in Black Swan after director Darren Aronofsky saw the film.
Punch the air moment
Her most recent role, and the main reason she qualifies for a Past Lives feature in the first place, Friends With Benefits showcases the very best of Mila’s talent and charm. She also gets down and dirty at various points, so there’s something for every persuasion. We’re going to go on record with every other movie-type in the world and say we expect big things for this girl in the future, and Friends With Benefits has definitely polished her star to near-blinding levels of shininess.
Out of her comfort zone
Black Swan was the film of Natalie Portman’s career, but no matter how many awards she was considered for, people couldn’t stop talking about her co-star, Miss Kunis. Wasn’t that the chick out of Forgetting Sarah Marshall? Why, yes it was, but not as you knew her. Hailed now as the queen of intelligent and (relatively) subversive rom-coms, Black Swan might remain the only slightly off-kilter credit on her resume. Let’s hope not though, as the actress does building rivalry and ambiguous allure better than anyone, as she plays the black swan to Portman’s white with grace and palpable sensuality.
Under the radar
Another sex comedy, and another lesbian role for Kunis, After Sex sees her star alongside Zoe Salanda in this movie about relationships, before, after and during sex. It’s not as raunchy as some of her other roles, but the dialogue sets out to ask some awkward questions about sexuality and relationships in modern society. It probably won’t be remembered when taking a look back at Kunis’ career for long, but for now, it’s worth digging out of the bargain bin.
Would rather forget
Even though it might not be Mila’s fault, Max Payne is widely regarded as a bad film. A bad film based on a much-loved video game, and this an abomination against mankind in the minds of ardent fans. It seemed like a match made in geek heaven, as Kunis is a self-confessed fan of past times like World of Warcraft, and reports state that she’d already played Max Payne when taking a look at the script. Playing Mona Sax, a Russian assassin on the revenge path for her sister’s murder, Kunis might have been the most alive thing in a shambles of a movie.
Next up
Mila’s next project will be Ted, a new comedy from Family Guy (in which Kunis lends the voice of Meg) creator, Seth McFarlane. The film will also see her reunite with Max Payne co-star Mark Wahlberg, as she portrays the girlfriend of a man still best friends with his childhood teddy bear, which just happens to be alive. Filming is already underway, hence the snaps of Kunis in a rather fetching wedding dress. It’s set for release on 3rd August 2012.
Breakthrough role
actresses in Hollywood over the following years. Surprising, the film got a lukewarm reception from critics on its release, even if Kunis was praised across the board for her effortlessly charming portrayal of the new woman in Jason Segel’s life. Although not the star of the film, she’s made a hell of a lot more waves that Kristen Bell since. Word has it that she also landed the role in Black Swan after director Darren Aronofsky saw the film.
Punch the air moment
Out of her comfort zone
Under the radar
Would rather forget
Next up
