Directed by:
Edward ZwickCinematography:
Steven FierbergComposer:
James Newton HowardCast:
Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Oliver Platt, Hank Azaria, Josh Gad, Gabriel Macht, Judy Greer, Jill Clayburgh, George Segal, Kate Jennings Grant (more)VOD (4)
Plots(1)
In the 1990s, Jamie (Gyllenhaal), who works at an electronics store, is fired for sleeping with his manager's girlfriend. After his parents find out and criticize Jamie for leaving medical school, his wealthy brother Josh (Josh Gad) offers to find him a job as a medical representative. Jamie goes to work for Pfizer and tries to get doctors to prescribe Zoloft and Zithromax. He is rebuffed constantly much to the dismay of his partner Bruce (Oliver Platt), who sees Jamie as his ticket to the "big leagues" of Chicago. Bruce tells Jamie if he can get Dr. Knight (Hank Azaria) to prescribe Zoloft instead of Prozac, all the other doctors will follow his lead. Jamie uses his skills as a womanizer to gain access to Dr. Knight. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (10)
An inconspicuous pearl that only gains its true luster with time. Seemingly routine plot lines, slightly formulaic characters from thematically similar romantic comedies, and predictable developments transform into a perfectly complex spectacle with a conceptual and even greater emotional depth in the second half. Edward Zwick directs a romance with a capital 'R' and Anne Hathaway confirms that when it comes to the role of a girl-next-door, she has only minimal competition in contemporary Hollywood.
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I really should stop watching movies like this. It makes me hate the life around me, written by the world's most wretched ever screenwriter. Otherwise, Jake is a cool dude playing a typical pretty boy, and he's surprisingly bearable. As for Anne, I can see why we're going to see her in the third Batman. Already here she’s simply divine. Too bad about the crude jokes between the brothers which really don't work, otherwise Zwick serves up a drama "from life" which rides a wave of clichés, but every once in a while... why not? No I'm... I'm knowingly full of shit.
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I don't think I've ever seen an American mainstream film that so blatantly pokes fun at the pharmaceutical industry. I'm surprised Pfizer didn't demand some hefty compensation for this in many ways unflattering commercial. Maybe the Viagra references calmed the corporation. Anyway, I have to admit that the creators chose a great central couple. Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway had an unbelievable sparkle and both were absolutely amazing in their roles. However, I enjoyed Jake's acting more, as he convinced me that he has a natural comedic talent that I had no idea about until now. I'd probably leave out a few nude scenes and tone down the vulgarity a bit, but otherwise I had a pretty good time. And at the very end, the overabundance of painful romance even made my vision unexpectedly blurry. (75%)
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The spasmodic transitions from pure comedy to depressing drama ultimately leave the film with an awkward and disjointed impression. I was sorry about that, because Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway are a likable couple and perform decently within their capabilities. It struck me as more of a "comedy with occasional dramatic elements", which I didn't care for conceptually. Had it been presented as a "drama with occasional comedic elements", the final impression might have been a little better. Some of the jokes were funny, others were borderline lame.
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The movie would have been much improved if Josh, played by Josh Gad, was removed from the plot. His cringiness felt like something straight out of American Pie. The movie was stuck somewhere between comedy and drama without fully committing to either, lacking the wit needed for comedy and the depth required for drama. Not even Anne Hathaway's dedication to her role could save it. Oddly enough, I could relate to the main protagonist's emotions, however strange it feels to admit that. Having someone commit to you when you are in a state that's incompatible with life is not a good idea. For either of you. However, my ability to empathize with this aspect couldn't outweigh the overall pointlessness of the movie. / Lesson learned: Even a serious illness can find practical use in life.
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