Love and Other Drugs

The spasmodic transitions from pure comedy to depressing drama ultimately leave the film with an awkward and disjointed impression. I was sorry about that, because Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway are a likable couple and perform decently within their capabilities. It struck me as more of a "comedy with occasional dramatic elements", which I didn't care for conceptually. Had it been presented as a "drama with occasional comedic elements", the final impression might have been a little better. Some of the jokes were funny, others were borderline lame. (12/01/2019)

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)

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. (04/06/2012)

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)