Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

"So, if this was a touching romantic story, this is probably where a new feeling would wash over me and, suddenly, we would be furiously making out with the fire of a thousand suns. But this isn't a touching romantic story."

Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is a 2015 teenage romance/drama/comedy film that follows Greg, a high school senior, as his life is changed forever by leukemia-diagnosed Rachel, whom he forms an unlikely friendship with.

I really wish I could fully encompass the impact and creativity that the characters embody in that little synopsis, but, sadly, I can’t: the characters in “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” are just that good.

This could be in part to their personalities, or their overall quirkiness (particularly Greg), but I think the main reason they’re so darn likable is just in part to the amazing writing, acting, and script.

Seriously: the lead performances here are great; they capture the texture of the characters perfectly. But, also, you have to take into consideration that these are fairly new actors, with not many major roles being under their belts (which, in all honesty, really just makes their performances all the more interesting).

Though, what goes around comes around, and what comes around for “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” isn’t the best.

As mentioned just a few moments ago, I love the quirky, likable ensemble presented in the film, but I can recognize not all of them are created equal; some of the side characters (particularly the Madison character) just seem out of place. I don’t want to admit it, but some are really just disposable plot devices.

Nevertheless, I still thoroughly enjoyed “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.” It’s a fun (albeit sad) film filled with well-written characters, good performances, and inventive cinematography, and only really rears its ugly head every so often.

8/10- With a great cast of characters blazing along the mellow story, “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is only hampered down by the smallest of inconveniences.