Big Screen Blurb: Love and Other Drugs

You've seen those pictures, right? You know, the ones that if you look at the line structure a certain way, you see a baby; but if you stare at the lines a different way, it's a horse. That's kind of what you'll find in Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal's latest, Love and Other Drugs. It is what it is; rather, it is what you make it. It's more than your basic Romantic Comedy. Actually, this one touches on a quartet of genres: Romance, Comedy, Drama and Porn.

Hathaway and Gyllenhaal have teamed up before as a couple. Of course, the last time Gyllenhaal's character had more of proclivity to the fellas in Brokeback Mountain, leaving the twosome completely dysfunctional. This time around, at least the pair have an attraction to each other--make that an intense attraction to each other; however, they've still got plenty of issues. Jamie (Gyllenhaal) is big brother in a family of bigs, who never made it big. Actually, his main claims to fame involve moving from check to check and chick to chick. That is, until he discovers the uncanny abilitiy to peddle chemicals as a pharmaceutical sales rep. He begins selling Zoloft for drug giant Pfizer and meets Maggie (Hathaway). She's a rogue beauty battling Parkinsons and herself. The two meet and experience another type of chemical reaction: intense sexual attraction. It's kinda typical from today's cultural trend. Love at first sight is so 80's. Now, it's sex at first sight and if you happen to connect with the person during the thralls of the afterglow, well, so be it. Eventually, they connected. Yadayadayada Maggie and Jamie's relationship unfolds...funny at times, intensely dramatic at others and pretty hot throughout.

I'll go with 3.0 Stars on this one--the positive side of okay. Chances are you will find something in this movie to make it worth at least a rental. It is funny and exceptionally well acted. Hathaway and Gyllenhaal combine to make a couple worth watching. They create two characters that you may not necessarily find yourself 'rooting' for, but are definitely interested in watching. The story, itself, unfolds in a way that is both real and therefore, dangerously thought provoking. Is it entertaining? Hmm. There are more entertaining flicks to go spend $10 on, but this one has a lot to say and speak it does. It showcases the dire need of drug companies to continue to drug America. It highlights the importance of sacrifice and compassion in relationships. It tells of...well, I could go on and on--there's a lot going on here.

All in all, Love and Other Drugs is probably not one to see Big, not with a plethora choices out currently. It is, however, exceptionally well acted, funny at times, deep at others and very much worth saving to your cue for an April DVD release. Enjoy your holiday! For me, El Grande Thanksgiving Delecto (The Great Thanksgiving Delight!) continues...until Sunday anyway!

True...OUT!