Love and Other Drugs (2010)

Cast: Anne Hathaway, Jake Gyllenhal


Jamie Randall (Jake Gyllenhall) is a smooth talker whose life revolves chiefly around scoring women, and using his armor of smarts to get by. After losing his small retail job due to 'woman trouble,' he lands a gig as a pharmaceutical salesman. His job--to influence busy doctors to prescribe his company's drugs over others. His natural inclination to compete and win finds a sweet spot in this role. Faced with the rewards of more women, more money, and a sort of a jock hall of fame, Jamie clearly becomes a rising star in the field. Employing his wit and sway over the oppisite gender, his climb to the top seems unstoppable.

Then he meets Maggie Murdoch (Anne Hathaway), in an unusual encounter. As someone that suffers from early stage Parkinson's disease, Maggie is most unlike anyone he'd ever met. Her striking beauty, fiery yet vulnerable persona, and her way of getting to the core of what matters without mincing words grounds Jamie. What starts as a spark ensues into a consuming affair, where each experience a deeper intimacy than either bargained for. Can Jamie let go of his game to win fame to give what he's discovered with Maggie a shot? Sharp dialogues, shining performances from Anne and Jake keep the narrative tight throughout the two plus hours of watching. All in all, this film unabashedly lives up to its title, still, only managing to fit inside the safe love theme most chick flicks tuck under.

Rating: 3.5 stars.