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.