One of the biggest movies to come out of Sundance in recent years was a movie based on a best-selling book called “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”.
The self-explanatory title of the film centers around Greg Gaines, an extremely awkward teenager who hides behind his insecurities through his sarcastic wit. His mother (played by Connie Britton) find out that Rachel (played by Olivia Cooke), the daughter of a family friend (played by Molly Shannon) has leukemia, and she persuades Greg to spend time with Rachel. At first, Rachel passes on a visit from Greg, who is browbeaten by his mother into showing up on Rachel’s doorstep unannounced. (The camera work as Greg is chased throughout the house by his mother is nothing short of amazing.)
We then meet Greg’s best friend Earl (played by RJ Cyler); they’ve been friends since grade school. Ironically, the emotionally detached Greg can’t bring himself to call Earl a friend, but calls him his co-worker; we learn that these teenage co-workers have made movie parodies of classic films throughout the years including “Blue Velvet” and “My Dinner with Andre”, and after some prodding by Greg’s friend Madison, they agree to make a movie for Rachel.
Making Rachel’s film is easier said and done, and Greg finds himself becoming increasingly drawn to Rachel, whose condition is worsening, but he can never find the words or the ability to be honest about his feelings for her.
This dark comedy has some golden moments, including Greg and Earl unwittingly getting high and showing up at Rachel’s place to entertain her. The classic movie parodies are downright hilarious. Hugh Jackman makes a hysterical cameo appearance as a movie poster in Rachel’s bedroom, and the claymation sequences throughout the film make for some necessary comic relief.
The indie film featuring the performances of some heavy hitters such as Nick Offerman, Connie Britton and Molly Shannon, along with the younger cast, was critically acclaimed, but unfortunately for this gem of an indie film, failed to live up to box office potential. Regardless, it’s a great film and worth a viewing.