Tuesday 26 October 2010

Addicted to Love and Other Drugs - and the 'naked perfection' of Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway

Love and Other Drugs continues to gather a garland of good reviews. For a fan of Jake Gyllenhaal, this is not to be taken lightly. Over the last few years, we've had to listen to various divided and mixed opinions on films such as Rendition, Brothers and Prince of Persia, although each has also had its advocates. Love and Other Drugs has, on the whole, had a good response from American critics, although I look forward to the time when some British critics get their mince pies on it. Today it's the turn of Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.


Variety - insert pause for some significant eye rolling - has hidden its review behind its more-irritating-than-tomatoes-in-a-sandwich registering/pay wall. Neverthless, you can still take a peek and hear 'Their ribald pillow talk lends the film a verbal tartness that's complemented visually by the abundant nudity, though tasteful use of shadows and strategic camera placement still leave plenty to the imagination.'

'As Jamie, the ideally cast Gyllenhaal turns on the charm full force, his energetic puppy-dog demeanor all but daring the viewer not to buy whatever he's selling.'


The review doesn't give the film 10 out of 10, it criticises the soundtrack for being too crammed, too in your face, and calls the film a 'jagged little pill' that goes down too smoothly. Nevertheless, it doesn't half make you want to see it. The full review here... if you can see it.


The Hollywood Reporter describes the film as having ADD and sums it up: 'Gyllenhaal and Hathaway are terrific as two sarcastic, sexually hungry young people eager to hop into bed, or go up against the nearest wall for a knee-trembler. Sappy romance doesn't suit either of their characters so something goes a little limp when they acknowledge their love. Where['s] a Viagra salesman when you need him? The artist's loft, coffee house, restaurants, late night cafes, medical offices and a sleek suburban home to a "pajama party" where the film takes place are all eye grabbers and Steven Fierberg's cinematography does justice to these visually arresting locations. Much is going on in nearly every scene. Even a running gag about a homeless man who digs drug samples out of a dumpster where Jamie throws his rival's products is damn funny. In the end, this is a smart movie that could have been smarter. The script feels like it was a draft or so away from total clarity and focus. But the energy of the cast and a dive into an unfamiliar world make the movie rather addictive.'

Kristopher Tapley is less complimentary for In Contention but there is a nod to the lead actor: 'Jake Gyllenhaal offers potentially the film’s best performance, but it is owed so much to charisma rather than what’s on the page.'

There is another review here, with thanks to Monica for the heads up. And thanks to Jen for the Playlist review.


Thanks to Hui for finding another blogger's account from the CMJ Q&A the other night in NYC. You can read that here. It all sounds like quite an intimate gathering and the verdict here on Jake and Anne is - and it has a real ring to it - 'naked perfection'.


And finally...

It's impossible to ignore the buzz around the net concerning certain photos of two people having a stroll in NYC last weekend. I thank everyone here for continuing to focus on what has driven WDW for almost the last four years - the movies, and very soon a new one will be with us, with all its naked perfection. The talk shows await...


Thanks to IHJ for the caps.

35 comments:

Monica said...

These reviews are very good. Even for those who disliked the film, Jake is great.

The strength of this movie is with Jake and Anne.

Difficult to ignore. :(

Jen said...

Thanks for the reviews ! This is a great review from the playlist blog:

http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/archives/cmj_10_review_ed_zwicks_love_other_drugs_is/

I apologize in advance if this review was already posted.

Wet Dark and Wild said...

Hi Monica! A great buzz for Jake :)

Thanks Jen for the link - I've added it to the post :D I've moved your post over here as Blogger posted two duplicate posts? No idea why...

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post, Kate, as usual. I enjoy reading the WDW blog so much it has become one of the highlights of my day! :)

It's interesting how at first the reviews seemed to say Anne's performance was the only thing of Oscar caliber in the movie, and now some find Jake's performance equally worthy. I've never rooted so hard for a movie I haven't yet seen to be honored to the max at the Oscars. Come to think of it, I've never rooted for a movie I've never seen to do much of anything. :P Could this be a symptom of Gyllenhaalism?

Susan

Darling Bluebell said...

'As Jamie, the ideally cast Gyllenhaal turns on the charm full force, his energetic puppy-dog demeanor all but daring the viewer not to buy whatever he's selling.'
What a great description. And 'naked perfection'... whoa. It's getting hot in here! (very welcome on cold autumn evenings, as usual ;-))

I agree with Susan, I'm having everything crossed the Oscar buzz will come true. I daren't count on it yet but wouldn't it be lovely! :-)

mermon said...

Hi!
WDW - Thank you for the post.
I'm happy that most of reviews are so flattering. That means - people like it.
I was not able to read this hiding article in Variety :) I gave it few tries.

From Access Hollywood.
http://www.accesshollywood.com/inside-elle-magazines-women-in-hollywood-event-part-ii_video_1255351

After Goldie Hawn is short shot of Jake speech from Elle event and Gwyneth, right after him.

Linda said...

Hey WDW!
it's very nice to have such a good post about LAOD!
and about those all "dating" posts everywhere, I really don't know how to feel!
it's like.. No way!!! :(
can't believe it.. I hope it is just a really awkward rumor...
otherwise it'd be too bad in my opinion,, but well let's care about this great movie :)

Georgie said...

if these dating rumors are true, I don't know what I'll think! I'd rather have the Face Pet back than that talentless Kiss and Tell country singer. why jake, why?!! he's just another song for her to write about!

Cazajuguetes said...

Thanks for the reviews WDW.
I'm not reading them in detail, because I do not want to spoil all the desire I have to watch it.

It would be so nice if the movie was nominated for Oscars. Maybe Jake or Anne could be as well. I'm doing my part of sharing my excitement for the movie and I still do not know when it will be shown here.
But I'm already telling my women colleagues at work: be ready, you really have to go and watch this movie. You are going to love it!
;o) I'm in "Jamie" selling mode.
All with a big grin in my face.

@Susan: Yes, I'm afraid you have the symptoms. :-) Don't worry it is not painful rather the opposite.

Darling Bluebell said...

Thanks for that video mermon!
I laughed so hard at Jake's mention of Alotta Fagina. I love him for knowing Austin Powers. :-D

Sasha said...

@mermon: Thx for that link from accesshollywood ... dead-funny

mermon said...

You are very welcome:)

I don't know Austin Powers and Allotta Fagina. Tell something about it.
By the way I regret Access Hollywood didn't give us full Jake' speech.

Darling Bluebell said...

@Mermon: Agreed out the video! I'd really like to see the entire speech.
Austin Powers is a movie trilogy and a parody of the James Bond films. Alotta Fagina is one of the female characters in the first film. Here's the IMDB page if you're interested: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118655/

Darling Bluebell said...

*sigh* 'out' = 'about'. Sorry :-/

Anonymous said...

nice, just a month until I get to see Jamie in person :D

sweetpea

lemniscate said...

G'day Folks,

I have so been missing this place (still in the trenches I'm afraid). Thanks for all the great updates WDW (and cool contributors! ;-)

What's today's date? Oh gosh... I think I'm going to put up some type of "Advent calendar" to count down to the arrival of LAOD in Australia (same date as UK, Dec 31st). The more I read about this film, the more impatient I get to see it.

And yeah, I'm selfishly awaiting the return of the full grown fuzzy wuzzy (still in mourning). But I guess he's much more "kissable" now. ;-)

karmentxu said...

I'm reading- translating all reviews, happy, ... I prefer good critics and Oscar buzz, for me no matter if then, the movie no nominated. First time I read a review before the premiere, I'm surprised, all the details of the movie!! always will be so .... but don't like

That is, these symptoms are not painful .. @ Eureka

Carol said...

Evening all.

It's great to see the mainly positive reviews LAOD is getting. 31 December can't come quick enough for me. I'm involved in my friend's wedding that day so it's going to be a little bit longer than that before I get to properly feast my eyes on Jamie. But I get the feeling it will be worth the wait.

@Eureka I'm like you in "Jamie selling" mode at work too. I have all the girls told they have to go see it:)

Just have to say that it's nice to come here and talk about what's really important to all us fans - the movies.

Wet Dark and Wild said...

Hello everyone! Lovely to see you all! It is so great to read such good reviews and, more importantly perhaps, such great reviews for Jake. I feel very proud of him.

mermon said...

I've just checked this Austin Powers page and it's quite a lot of good actors in it. Thank you for the link Lady E.

BBMISwear said...

Thanks for including the many reviews, WDW - great to hear a lot of buzz around LAOD and looking forward to more. As you say...'the talks shows await...' The talk shows are always enjoyable and can't come fast enough in my opinion!

Great video clip from Access Hollywood - thanks for sharing that Mermon. Jake is always so funny when asked to do things like that!

Looking forward to more, more, more!!

:-)

A perplexed fan said...

"Just have to say that it's nice to come here and talk about what's really important to all us fans - the movies."

Get real, in one weekend Jake has torpedoed this movie and his career. Only Anne can save it now, mark my word after the lastest events, Anne will become the primary focus of PR and interviews. I love Jake to pieces but I'm beginning to think he is trying to sabotage his own career.

Anonymous said...

How has Jake ruined his career. I can't believe some of the stuff I'm reading.
I guess its How dare he be seen with someone he apparently likes and wants to be with.
I know we aren't suppose to talk about personal things but this seems to be taken way more seriously than it deserves.
I'm sorry, but Jake's career will be just fine and doesn't need Anne (he is getting good reviews for the movie too) or anyone to "save" it. He has been and will continue to be thought of as an excellent actor and admired by co-workers.

Wet Dark and Wild said...

Morning everyone and sorry for not being around much last night - normal service is now resumed!

Thanks for the link Mermon - that's great!

I totally agree with you 05:43! It seems a little... dramatic... to say that someone has torpedoed his career because he's gone out picking apples with someone he may be having fun with! I don't think he needs saving just yet :D

Hi there BBMIswear :-)

Have a great day everyone!

Carol said...

Morning everyone:).

Well said 5.43. I totally agree with you.

Hui said...

I like Anne, but which movie did Anne save before??bride war??Get smart??Becoming Jane??
I only know Meryl Streep saved the devil wears prada :)

Wet Dark and Wild said...

Morning Carol!

Hi there Hui :D I do like Anne. I have to say I adored Devil Wears Prada, even though I hate shopping and I don't buy clothes :D

paulh said...

I have no idea whom Jake might be dating now. I don't look for gossip on the Internet. All I know is that the *critics* who have seen LAOD gave high marks to both Anne and Jake. Very few of us non-critics have had a chance to see it yet. (Right now I'm struggling to see three movies before they leave the theaters. :-( Maybe after I've seen them, I will have enough perspective to guess how they will compare to Jake's latest.

I hate this time of year because the possibility of Oscar nominations distorts the movie business a great deal. Maybe Jake will win an Oscar someday, but it will be an anticlimax in one sense because he already has a nomination under his belt, as well as a BAFTA statuette. Once nominated, whether you win or not, you exist on a higher plane unless you Mel Gibson your way into oblivion. ;-) I doubt Jake would sabotage himself that way. Charlie Sheen's shenanigans have yet to end his career, so Jake has a huge marhin of safety so far.

Just my opinion.

Monica said...

From twitter:
Anna P
Found out I'm going to NY next friday for the press junkets of Morning Glory and Love and Other Drugs. Soo excited!
5 hours ago via

Anonymous said...

i come here often because i enjoy the tenor of your commentary and look to this site as a good place for the latest info.

i was disappointed not to see the recent rumors addressed here. i would point out that the fascination with "the face pet" stands in contrast to the claim that this site is all "about the movies," and following the info about his potential relationship with TS is no more or less off track for a site that is purporting to be serving some higher purpose than is a hunt for the pictures of JG at restaurants in NYC.

said with love... because, i repeat, i like this site. but no need to denigrate the interest in recent rumors.

Anonymous said...

and to HUI...

.. you really should see RACHEL GETTING MARRIED.

Wet Dark and Wild said...

Hi 19:09 - You will find the latest news here. You might not necessarily get the latest gossip. Especially if it's 2 days old.

As and when there's something more 'concrete' then it will be in posts - if there are photos (that are any good) they'll be in the posts. We've had two days of rumours and hazy photos and it's seemed a little... to be honest, I don't even know what the word I'm looking for is. Creepy, maybe.

Hmmm... a 'higher purpose' - I'm not necessarily feeling the 'love' in your comment. But firstly the Face Pet was difficult to ignore - and it was funny! - and secondly I like restaurants. Although not as much as Jake.

I've been doing this site for a long time. I've seen what trouble gossip and rumours cause. It's not pretty and this is nothing new.

Hi Paul! I totally agree - thanks very much for that!

Thanks Monica - interesting :D

tj said...

Yes, Anne was wonderful in " Rachel Getting Married". Because we all love and appreciate Mr. Gyllenhaal, we are very passionate about his continued success in his career and personal life. If this story is true , it is disconcerting, I adore this guy ! But, I will maintain an open mind.

WDW, I appreciate the great work you do with this lovely website.

karmentxu said...

I totally agree, 05:43, Carol, Paulh, WDW. The interest... his career, his personal life too (he has right to have it)no gossip, no overdramatize.

Great web!!!

Wet Dark and Wild said...

Welcome TJ! Thank you :D and thanks for commenting :)

Thank you so much Karmentxu! I totally agree :)