Love and Other Drugs

Certainly by now you have seen the trailers for the just released in time for the holidays movie Love & Other Drugs. Starring Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal (can you say lots of vowels?!), this is the second time the beautiful brunettes with the big eyes (brown and blue, respectively) have been paired together. If only one of these actors headlined this film, it would have been enough allure for me to want to see it: Anne is a classy actress who is relatable and likable; Jake is handsome, easy-going, and charming. However, put the two of them together, and you have a must-see movie. The pair have an undeniable chemistry and for the most part (Jake, I will excuse you for making Prince of Persia) are known for making good movies, interesting movies.

Love & Other Drugs is a bit of drama and a bit of comedy. Jake's character, Jamie Randall, is a playboy just beginning what promises to be a successful career as a Pfizer drug rep. Anne plays Maggie Murdock, a free-spirit who doesn't seek commitment in her relationships. Maggie and Jamie meet, start a casual fling (and by fling, I mean hook up buddies on a regular basis). As any film-goer knows, a lot of hook-ups does not a movie make--there's gotta be some substance! The two inevitably commit themselves to each other and then the real story begins. Life is good, then it gets complicated. Jamie's career takes off when he begins to sell Viagra (it's 1996, people...I was too young to know, but apparently, Viagra was pretty revolutionary!). Maggie, too, has her own career in the drug industry: she takes busloads of elderly people to Canada. But, as Jamie's career is on the fast track to bigger, better things, Maggie is hopelessly stuck. Drug conventions, doctors, hospitals and traveling ultimately drive the two apart, but not in the way you may think.

AS A SIDE NOTE: A lot has been made of the film's nudity. And yeah, there is a lot of nudity. But, to the film's credit, the nudity is not in bad taste. Clearly, the film starts out being about these two young and beautiful people hooking up with one another...a lot. As their relationship evolves, the nudity is less and less. Needless to say, I don't find the nudity in this film to be offensive, but if you are someone who does find nudity to be offensive, then maybe this is a film you should skip.

Now back to the review...
Guys and gals alike will enjoy this film; certainly, the numerous jokes to be had at Viagra's expense alone would be enough to appeal to the male species. But even more than that, like a When Harry Met Sally type movie, Love & Other Drugs is not so much focused on the love affair from the woman's perspective, but it is a give and take. In fact, I would argue that the ups and downs of Jamie's life are what guide this film. It's always refreshing to see the guy be emotional and making the big leaps in his relationship while the girl is all laid back and cool. And fellas, do you see girls shying away from Jake Gyllenhaal? Most likely not. Take a play out of his book and you are certain to be golden!...or at least closer to golden.

I think Love & Other Drugs lived up to it's billing. So, this holiday weekend (or season if so fortunate to have the time), go see this movie with your friends and loved ones. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

~Erin