itamarscomix This Australian rom-com deserves some credit for portraying a relationship in a sincere, mature manner, not idealizing sex nor demonizing it; the story itself is surprisingly realistic and very easy to relate to. Also commendable is the fact that Jonathan Teplitzky is quite able at writing both woman's and man's dialog, equally and realistically.Teplitzky is an able writer, but he made far too many mistakes in the movie to make it a good one. The taxi driver's character is a complete misstep, that comes off pretentious and clumsy, the music is irritating, and the voice-over telling us what the characters think comes up in arbitrary moments and leaves us confused as to what the characters thought and what they actually said. The dialog is realistic most of the time but the delivery - especially Susie Porter's - is often flat and lacking in emotion, which is especially painful when she delivers lines like "I want sex. I love sex" or "I love you" (while getting it from behind, no less) completely deadpan. It doesn't help that the two leads - while they're by no means bad actors - have no on-screen chemistry whatsoever and their emotions are never believable.Most jarring of all are the random interview segments, on cheap generic backdrops, that seem like a cheap rip-off of When Harry Met Sally and Annie Hall, and serve no purpose. The people being interviewed aren't interesting, and they don't make any comment of interest about relationships and sex; instead these segments rely on the oldest relationship clichés in the book - Men leave the toilet seat up? Women take a long time to get dressed? Men like getting oral sex? Really? That's the big problem with the movie - Teplitzky wanted to make a relationship movie about experiences we can all relate to, but he made it so generic that he forgot to add anything of his own.

Lea Greenall To be honest I cant get enough of 'Better than Sex'(BtS). I was thoroughly disappointed when the end credits began to roll. Since I viewed it on cable TV, I flipped a channel and watched it all over again. I hold very few movies in such an esteem to rate them 10/10. But BtS is definitely one of those rare diamonds.BtS is a very intellectual and honest look at the dynamics of the one night stand, the following passion, the possibilities of more. Seen from both the male and female perspective it's so engaging to see and feel the raw honesty. As a male I was constantly agreeing, laughing, nodding and completely understanding Josh's (David Wenham) position with his actions and thoughts. I so loved the balancing female - Cin's (Susie Porter) perspective. I felt this was how it really is. BtS is an optimal example of reality.From the initial meetings to the scared first steps, the initial sex to the first words the next day, the progression of knowing nothing to seeing the unfolding of a relationship not yet defined and blossoming. The doubts, insecurities, the ensuing pointless fights, walking out then making up. The development of passion and the emotional content that creeps in uncontrollably is magnificent in its simplicity and handling.As an audience I became so drawn to the characters. I felt in tune with David Wenham's Character and was left with a crush on Susie Porter. This movie is all about character, development and that proverbial 'human condition. So basic I would assume it was filmed on a shoe string budget, but you never know it. The cinematography, camera angles, accompanying music, the introspective and intermittent 'interview' style was perfect. The sex scenes are tasteful and never 'dirty', the chemistry was electric between Josh and Cin.I am not usually a fan of pure Australian film. But BtS showcases how an intellectual, witty, and powerful character driven story tackling a very real plot should be done. A definite movie to get... a saucy, raunchy and potentially winner of a movie to see with a new partner. However be warned, BtS is clearly marketed for adults that demand that bit more depth in the intellectual and honesty stakes.A challenge: Try not to fall in love with either one or both of David Wenham or Susie Porter and their characters. And I bet you will love the Taxi driver :D

Neil Cammack From memory, an American critic commented that "while there may be some things that are better than sex, this movie is not one of them". He was too kind by half: this is a truly terrible film. Watching it, I began to suspect that I had walked into a first-year film school class, and not the cream of the crop, either. Time slowed to a crawl, a creeping numbness overtook me. I understood the true meaning of ennui. I would have walked out after 30 minutes, but as the car keys were in my wife's handbag that would have meant taking the bus home. After an hour I wished I had. A filmic turkey, to be avoided at all costs.

Clare This film from first time writer/director Jonathan Teplitzky is an ambitious venture and one that succeeds very well.It follows the trials and tribulations of a "one night stand" that goes that little bit further.Supurb acting from lead actors David Wenham and Susie Porter as well as a slick and funny script from Teplitzky make this a brilliant film. It leaves the audience in no doubt as to what is, indeed, Better Than Sex.