Love and Other Drugs

I really should stop watching movies like this. It makes me hate the life around me, written by the world's most wretched ever screenwriter. Otherwise, Jake is a cool dude playing a typical pretty boy, and he's surprisingly bearable. As for Anne, I can see why we're going to see her in the third Batman. Already here she’s simply divine. Too bad about the crude jokes between the brothers which really don't work, otherwise Zwick serves up a drama "from life" which rides a wave of clichés, but every once in a while... why not? No I'm... I'm knowingly full of shit. (06/27/2011)

An inconspicuous pearl that only gains its true shine over time. Seemingly routine plot lines, slightly schematic characters from thematically similar romantic comedies, and expected development turn into a perfectly complex spectacle with a conceptual and even more so emotional depth in the second half. Edward Zwick directed romance with a capital 'R' and Anne Hathaway confirms that in the role of a girl-next-door, she has only minimal competition in contemporary Hollywood. (03/22/2011)

The movie would have been much improved if Josh, played by Josh Gad, was removed from the plot. His cringiness felt like something straight out of American Pie. The movie was stuck somewhere between comedy and drama without fully committing to either, lacking the wit needed for comedy and the depth required for drama. Not even Anne Hathaway's dedication to her role could save it. Oddly enough, I could relate to the main protagonist's emotions, however strange it feels to admit that. Having someone commit to you when you are in a state that's incompatible with life is not a good idea. For either of you. However, my ability to empathize with this aspect couldn't outweigh the overall pointlessness of the movie. / Lesson learned: Even a serious illness can find practical use in life. (07/12/2022)

The golden age of up-and-coming R-rated relationship dramas that artfully oscillate between light comedy and a classy dramatic plot. They're spicier, get deeper under the skin and can be very direct, even improvisational. The cards are dealt quite clearly and the outcome is basically decided, but the most interesting thing is the journey from A to Z. The chemistry between Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal is remarkable. Edward Zwick surprised with his choice of genre and even more so with the agility and awareness of his execution. (03/12/2017)

The spasmodic transitions from pure comedy to depressing drama ultimately leave the film with an awkward and disjointed impression. I was sorry about that, because Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway are a likable couple and perform decently within their capabilities. It struck me as more of a "comedy with occasional dramatic elements", which I didn't care for conceptually. Had it been presented as a "drama with occasional comedic elements", the final impression might have been a little better. Some of the jokes were funny, others were borderline lame. (01/12/2019)