The film is set in the mid 1990’s where Jamie Randall (Jake Gyllenhaal) works in a music store selling high-end stereo system convincing all ladies to buy the gadgets and at the same time flirting with the store owner’s girl friend. One day Jamie’s flirtatious adventure gets exposed to the owner who in turn fires him out of the job.
Jamie during a family get together is spoofed by his brother Josh (Josh Gad) on the occupation he has chosen for himself while he is a successful business man. Josh then convinces Jamie to join in pharmaceutical sales as it has scope and bright future.
During his work as a medical rep, Jamie comes across Maggie Murdock (Anne Hathaway) who is suffering from the dreadful Parkinson’s disease. Jamie and Maggie though slow to begin with catch-on like a house on fire. Days go by and with every passing day their relationship and the interdependency between them grows strongly.
Bruce (Oliver Platt) who happens to be Jamie’s superior is unconvinced with his performance and when things seem to be inevitable, Pfizer launches the super sex-drug “Viagra” which turn the scales upside down for Jamie. Jamie from being an under performer turns out to be a super performer.
Things seem to be running smooth till now until Jamie’s brother Josh comes back to him and post his humiliation at work decides to stay back with him. Jamie now has to play the perfect balance between his work, brother and his relationship with Maggie.
Jamie who was on a trajectory jumping from one thing to another now comes to a conclusion as he finally finds out what he wants in his life and he follows suit to achieve his dream. What happens to Maggie and Josh post Jamie’s self-realization is anyone’s guess as the movie ends on a conventional note.
Jake Gyllenhaal as the main character has put up a commendable performance especially in the first-half of the film where he bowls everyone over with his natural sense of humor and acting. However, in the second-half of the film he looses sheen and his character somewhat fails to grab the attention of the viewers.
Anne Hathaway as the Parkinson’s afflicted individual has gone into the depth of the character and the scenes which are of sexual content have been portrayed elegantly and full marks to her for carrying it off in a graceful manner.
Director Ed Zwick has crossed the major portion of the bridge without any hassles, but towards the end he struggles a bit to finish it off on a bright note. The screenplay is more dragging in the latter half of the film which could have been avoided.
“Love and Other Drugs” is just about there if watched without expectations
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