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%) (19/01/2023)

I know that as a romantic movie, it doesn't have much to offer in terms of a new plot, but when I first saw the cast, I just knew that these two had to work together. Jake Gyllenhaal and beautiful Anne Hathaway complement each other perfectly and they proved it in the film. If it was just about these two getting together, then fighting and reconciling, I would still enjoy it with popcorn. The story is nothing groundbreaking, but the authors tried to add a little something new - they turned Anne into a seriously ill character who just wants to enjoy life without any responsibilities. Of course, it is clear from the beginning what will eventually happen. Jake and Anne work well together, Anne is wonderfully independent, she wants to live under any circumstances, and Jake is the one you will root for. It's not a film with great ambitions, but it's a movie that can make your evening more enjoyable. If you watch it with someone you care about and who cares about you - and I don't mean your mother, although I don't exclude that - then you will enjoy the film even more. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/07/kacatko-woodcock-nakaza-laska-dalsi.html (22/02/2013)

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. (23/03/2011)

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. (12/07/2022)

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. (12/03/2017)