High schooler Greg, who spends most of his time making parodies of classic movies with his co-worker Earl, finds his outlook forever altered after befriending a classmate who has just been diagnosed with cancer.Director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
Writers: Jesse Andrews (novel), Jesse Andrews(screenplay)
Stars: Thomas Mann, RJ Cyler, Olivia Cooke
Storyline
Seventeen-year-old Greg has managed to become part of every social group at his Pittsburgh high school without having any friends, but his life changes when his mother forces him to befriend Rachel, a girl he once knew in Hebrew school who has leukemia.Written by Toby Padilla
Based on the novel by Jesse Andrews, who also lent his talents to the screenplay, the production genuinely tries to give us a perspective of the bona fide thoughts of a youth growing up in Pittsburgh suburbia where fitting in is still as relevant now as it was twenty years ago.
Generation X had 'The Breakfast Club' and Generation Y had 'American Pie' and this generation has 'Me and Earl........'. In years to come when they are all reminiscing about their coming of age moments, they'll look back and say, "Do you remember the film, Me and Earl........". What this film has been able to do is find the right balance between idiosyncratic comedy and heart felt drama, that when meshed together portrays a very authentic sense of realism that resonates with its audience.
Greg (Thomas Mann) is a loner by choice who has awkwardly been able to survive the stifling nature of high school by strategically alienating himself from the sorted 'packs' that form inside the walls of educational institutions. His best mate (and only mate), Earl (RJ Cyler), who Greg regards as his co-worker, have formed a friendship that has stemmed back to their kindergarten years, based on their love of foreign cinema. Over the years the two co-workers have delightfully produced their own film productions that are a virtual send up of iconic movies from the past. With titles such as "A Sockwork Orange" and "2:46pm Cowboy", the two high schoolers go about giving these homemade movies their own little makeover.
Greg's protected world is thrust into reality when his over zealous mother (Connie Britton) nags her son into spending time with Rachel (Olivia Cooke) who has just been diagnosed with cancer. After some tense initial moments, the two find that they actually rather like each other and a very heart warming friendship begins. Greg is then talked into making a movie for his new friend but has difficulty in finding the right formula.
A very balanced cast delivers a film that could just be the movie of the year. Stand out performances by the two leads in Thomas Mann and RJ Cyler drive a story that impacts the soul of every person willing to take the time to watch it. A wonderful cameo from Nick Offerman who portrays Greg's dad. His laid back, easy going father figure who has a taste for exotic foods plays out beautifully along side Greg and Earl who seem to just go with his unusual likings.
This is a film for everybody and will not only resonate with its targeted audience but will leave a lasting impression on older viewers. This is a movie that oozes emotion. You'll laugh and you'll cry. I ALMOST did.
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