Together Jake & Anne reach new highs.
15, 112 Minutes. Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Josh Gad, Oliver Platt & Hank Azaria. Director: Edward Zwick. Screenplay: Edward Zwick
Charles Randolph, Marshall Herskovitz
In 2010 there has been a good run of hilarious romantic comedies ('Killers', 'The Switch') but there has been an itch for a rom-com with more heart and warmth however. Something special to take us through this cold festive fall right through to 2011's new year. Well thankfully 'Love & Other Drugs' is the right prescription.
Based on the book, 'Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman', this story really is one you can buy into. Jake Gyllenhaal gets back in the league of making ladies swoon as the leading man. While Anne Hathaway heads back to the studio that wears Prada as the leading lady. Both A-list stars are on plus form. The 'love' in this film is evident from the incredible chemistry between the two leading lights.
As for the 'drugs', now here's the science bit, concentrate. Gyllenhaal plays Randall a man pedalling pharmaceuticals. He doesn't have much look however as he has Prozac to deal with as competition. That is however until he gets the gig flopping...uh hum, sorry, flogging Viagra, which is no dead horse...pardon the puns. The drugs are also at work for Hathaway's character, Maggie who will try everything she can to combat her first stage Parkinson's, but will love be the greatest drug for this? Anne really sturts her sexy and qualtity acting stuff on her quest for Katherine Hiegel's rom-com, crown.
Obviously Viagra is no new thing, I or Robert De Niro in 'Little Fockers' could tell you that. So this picture is set back in it's inception of '96. Can you believe it's that long, that's a lot of patterns in the pants. For pleats sake...trust me Hathaway's puns are better. Being set back in the glory days of the mid-90's this movie doesn't miss a beat. There are no Blackberry's or 'i' anythings, life without them, it's 'hard' to believe (got ya Anne). From the first scene when Randall is starting his salesman career in electronics the 90's dated references are played perfectly. As for that matter is Gyllenhaal's charisma, which makes his bad boy character charming, after all isn't that what all women want?
Well when this film stops getting naked and shagadelic, it turns into a tender, genuine love affair that anybody could adore. 'Love & Other Drugs' is sleek, stylish and very, very sexy. It's also very funny and moving in parts, adding all the elements you need out of a romantic comedy without compromising it's own integrity. It's a really touching movie. It looks great two. With excellent direction this movie has stunning visuals. Sure going up against 'Tron: Legacy' is a bit of a losing battle but 'Love & Other Drugs' proves that the best that real life has to offer is just as good looking as 3D,
The support is great from Randall's likable mentor (played by Oliver Platt) to his lovable but layabout brother (portrayed by 'Back To You' and 'The Daily Show's' Josh Gad). Hank Azaria is also great as a doctor with more character than Hank has in 'The Simpsons'. The soundtrack is also an eclectic, excellent mix. It acts as a mixtape of great love songs from modern day Dylan, way back to even more classics. Even if the brilliant 'Beautiful Girl' by INXS, that made the films trailer doesn't make the final playlist the movie still has a wealth of musical magic for it's most memorable moments.
Every girl or even dragged along, unwillingly guy can enjoy this film for Friday. The young and sexy Anne and Jake give everyone what they want for a film that is no drag but instead a deep draw. 'Love & Other Drugs' closes out the year as one of the better chic flicks that even dudes can dig. Sorry to sound so 90's but this film really takes you back. It feels real and right now. Now how many films these days do that? TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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