ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL Is Hilariously Heartwarming - Sundance 2015 Review
Every year I go to Sundance, there's always one unique film gem that sticks out above the rest. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is that film this year, not just for me but for everyone that I've talked to that has seen it. This has taken my number one spot of favorite movie at the festival this year, and it is one I can see being on my list of favorites at the end of the year. It is seriously that amazing. It's one of those movies I'll be talking to people about all year every chance I get.
The film is a quirky, heartwarming coming-of-age comedy that has a gentle touch of drama. The story follows a high school teen named Greg Gains (Thomas Mann) who thinks he has mastered the art of making it through high school without making friends or enemies and avoiding social situations. That is until one of his acquaintances, Rachel (Olivia Cooke), is diagnosed with leukemia. His mom (Connie Britton) makes him go hang out with her, and through the time he spends with her they became very close friends and form an unlikely, charming relationship.
The writing in this film is brilliant and loaded with wit and amusing dialogue. The story was also told in the most beautiful way. I absolutely loved the characters. They are all extremely likable, but the main character in the film, Greg Gaines, was one of the most unique characters I've seen brought to life on the big screen in years. I loved his style and personality. The way that he looks at the world is refreshing, and it was interesting being able to relate to his outlook on life, because there were certain aspects of the character that were like me in high school. One of the more amusing things that he spent his time doing was making funny parody versions of classic films with his "business partner," Earl (RJ Cyler), and they're pretty damn amusing. Greg makes it very clear that Earl is his business partner and not his friend. It's just a way of protecting himself from his own personal issues.
Greg has built a wall around himself, but that wall is slowly broken down as he forms a relationship with Rachel. It's not a romantic relationship, it's something that transcends romance - something much deeper in terms of friendship and respect. You want to see a romantic relationship form between them, but it wouldn't have worked, and it doesn't happen. The film makes it very clear from the beginning that their friendship is doomed.
The journey that we take with Greg, Earl, and Rachel is a funny and emotional ride. After all, one of the main characters has cancer and is dying, but Greg has the kind of personality to make light of the situation and bring out the humor in the darkest situations. That is, until the reality of it sets in and things take a more serious turn. I also have to point out the the acting in the film by everyone involved is superb.
This was such a captivating movie to watch, and it's definitely a feel-good flick that tugs on your emotions. It has the power to bring on the tears if you allow it to. I truly hope that Me and Earl and the Dying Girl gets a wide theatrical release. Everyone needs to see this movie. I freakin' loved it, and you will too. Experiencing this movie was a pleasure. I'm really happy that I had the opportunity to see it.
The movie was fantastically directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, from a wonderful script written by Jesse Andrews. The movie also stars Nick Offerman (who was great as Greg's father), Molly Shannon (who played Rachel's mother), and Jon Bernthal (as a history teacher). Here's the description of the film:
Greg Gaines is an awkward, self-deprecating high school student determined to coast through his senior year as anonymously as possible. Avoiding social interactions like the plague, Greg spends most of his time remaking wacky versions of classic movies with his only friend, Earl. Greg’s well-meaning mother intervenes, forcing him to befriend Rachel, a classmate who's been diagnosed with leukemia. Against his better judgment, Greg concedes. Both Greg and Rachel are surprised—even shocked—to find out that they actually like each other. Tentative at first, this unlikely duo becomes inseparable. But when Rachel gets sicker, Greg’s well-fortified world is changed forever.
Bristling with wit from a clever screenplay by Jesse Andrews, director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon's second feature is a poignant coming-of-age tale peppered with hilarious graphics and enchanting performances from its mostly young cast. Starring Thomas Mann, whose layered portrayal of Greg could skyrocket his promising career, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl will tickle your funny bone and tug at your heart.