Love and Other Drugs

I don't think I've ever seen an American mainstream film that so blatantly pokes fun at the pharmaceutical industry. I'm surprised Pfizer didn't demand some hefty compensation for this in many ways unflattering commercial. Maybe the Viagra references calmed the corporation. Anyway, I have to admit that the creators chose a great central couple. Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway had an unbelievable sparkle and both were absolutely amazing in their roles. However, I enjoyed Jake's acting more, as he convinced me that he has a natural comedic talent that I had no idea about until now. I'd probably leave out a few nude scenes and tone down the vulgarity a bit, but otherwise I had a pretty good time. And at the very end, the overabundance of painful romance even made my vision unexpectedly blurry. (75%) (01/18/2023)

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)

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)

Man, this one cracked me up :-)) The beginning was basically nothing, but once Anne Hathaway appeared on the scene, who, by the way, looked more beautiful than ever, the movie took off... in every way. I liked the dry humor underlined by really good music. Maybe next time I could do without the "lame" (and I say that very nicely) brother. The romance worked here, no question about it. The story was wonderful and perhaps a little original. A happy ending with all the trimmings and then some. I'm surprised, excited, and a little tearful. And I like it, a lot. (03/29/2011)

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)