Love and Other Drugs

Love and Other Drugs is a typical American dramatic-romantic comedy that doesn't really stand out from its long line of similar predecessors. The leading couple (Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal) have already been together in Brokeback Mountain, and they really hit it off here. Despite the primal stereotyping, the plot was enriched by an inscrutable disease. A relaxing film to lighten the mood, helped especially by the likeable lead duo and a pleasant soundtrack. (21/05/2011)

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. (27/06/2011)

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%) (18/01/2023)

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. (12/07/2022)

An inconspicuous pearl that only gains its true luster with time. Seemingly routine plot lines, slightly formulaic characters from thematically similar romantic comedies, and predictable developments transform into a perfectly complex spectacle with a conceptual and even greater emotional depth in the second half. Edward Zwick directs a romance with a capital 'R' and Anne Hathaway confirms that when it comes to the role of a girl-next-door, she has only minimal competition in contemporary Hollywood. (22/03/2011)