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. (2011-05-21)

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%) (2023-01-19)

Love & Other Drugs is a pretty solid, feel-good rom-com that doesn’t have anything groundbreaking but also nothing that really annoyed me. Anne Hathaway and especially Jake Gyllenhaal were great in their roles, with Jake showing off his versatility and charm. You can definitely feel the romance in the film, but it wasn’t overdone or bothersome. That said, it could’ve been a bit shorter to really hit the sweet spot. What surprised me most was finding out it was directed by Edward Zwick. He usually handles more intense, historical films, so maybe this was his attempt at something lighter and more laid-back. And in that sense, he pulled it off well. Still, it’s the kind of movie you’ll likely forget about soon after watching, which is a bit of a shame. (2012-06-04)

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. (2011-06-27)

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. (2017-03-12)