Overview
Winner of the 2015 Sundance Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a comedy-drama film based on the novel of the same name by Jessie Andrews. The film revolves around high school student Greg, who spends his time passing through life and the people he meets, never making any true connections to anyone.The only person he ever connected with is his co-worker, Earl, who he collaborates with to make awful, but hysterical movies that parody classic films they’ve watched. Greg’s outlook on life and people change when he befriends, Rachel, a classmate whom he discovers is diagnosed with leukemia.
The only person he ever connected with is his co-worker, Earl, who he collaborates with to make awful, but hysterical movies that parody classic films they’ve watched. Greg’s outlook on life and people change when he befriends, Rachel, a classmate whom he discovers is diagnosed with leukemia.
Greg, Earl, and Rachel
When I saw the trailer I was excited to see how this movie would turn out. For me as a viewer it did not disappoint. The plot flowed clearly and I had no problem following the story at any given point. Not only is the plot clear and concise, but it’s written in a way that helps keep the audience engaged with a balanced mix of humor and seriousness. The first half of the movie clearly takes on a humorous approach which helps balance a plot revolving around a teenage girl diagnosed with leukemia. This setup helps define the character arc of Greg. Throughout the beginning of the movie he is defined as a high schooler who associates with each group or clique to a bare minimum to gain just enough standing with everyone to get along with them, yet not have to feel attached to any one particular person. This grants him the invisibility he desires so much because he can go about through high school not having to make any enemies while being able to keep to himself. Unfortunately it also means he never makes any true friends and the plot of this movie addresses that issue and how it affected and continues to affect Greg’s life.
This movie is very well done, but there is one complaint that can be brought up. The characters of Earl and Rachel are just as important as Greg, but at times, it seems that they are more tools to further Greg’s character arc than them being actual characters. They are definitely developed and have their personalities and traits, but sometimes it feels like their presence is to help Greg become the person he is by the end of the movie. That aspect can be a little deterring.
Me And Earl And The Verdict
To sum up, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a phenomenal movie that touches at the heart and hopes to send the message to its audience that every moment in life is precious. Therefore it’s important to make the most of each moment and take the time to establish relationships with people. You never know who can become best friend. I highly recommend this movie. It’s playing in limited theaters, but if you can find one that shows it take the time to see it! It’s a very enjoyable movie filled with humor and seriousness that teaches a positive lesson by the time the credits roll.
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