Hi everyone, Bryan Here….

There are very few times in life where a movie affects you in such a way that you end up recalling the entire film from time to time in life. One of those films for me is ‘E.T.‘, as I saw the movie with my parents in theaters back in the early 80s when it was released. That film really struck a chord with me as it was the first time I really connected with a character and a film. It led to all the emotions pouring out of me, and still does to this day even when I watch it for the 1,134th time. Only a handful of movies have done that to me since then, one of them being this beautiful and charming movie, ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl‘.

Once again, I found myself so enthralled and connected to these characters, and even related to a lot of the situations here, that it was very difficult for me to let them go once the credits ended. I found myself constantly thinking of how great the film and how amazing the performances were by Thomas Mann, Olivia Cooke, and Ronald Cyler II, that it made me go through my old photographs of friends and old home movies I made when I was younger. It brought up a lot of great memories. First and foremost, ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl‘ is a movie for passionate movie lovers.

There are so many amazing head nods and winks to a vast amount of excellent films of all genres, that I could fill ten pages mentioning all of them in single space typing. It was as if a good friend of mine who was there with me while I watched the thousands upon thousands of movies, made a film, showcasing the greats in their own vision. Seeing this movie isn’t just going to the theater and watching something, it’s an experience on such a great level of emotion that you want to be a better person to those around you.

The “me” in the title of the film is Greg (Mann), a high school student who makes funny short films based off other movies with his best friend Earl (Cyler). Greg is kind of an outsider at school and even spends his lunch in his teacher’s (Jon Bernthal) office, watching old movies with Earl. Greg’s eclectic parents (Connie Britton and Nick Offerman) tell Greg that a schoolmate of his named Rachel has just been diagnosed with leukemia and that he should spend time with her. Reluctant to do so, Rachel and Greg form a relationship so pure and amazing, that it reminds me of the friends and times I had with them when I was that age.

‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl‘ is very self aware of the movie it is, as Greg narrates most of the film of what’s to come. The bonds these characters form in the short 105 minute time frame of the movie is so moving that you won’t want the film to end. These are the types of friends we all hope to have had in high school, flaws and all. Director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon captures each emotional moment and genuine character trait perfectly. You can definitely tell he’s a huge fan of film itself, which is one of the reasons this one is so perfect.

‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl‘ is one of those few movies that will stick around for years to come, where people will still talk about it to their friends and their favorite moments from the film. Perhaps it will even inspire people to make their own movies and to be better people. I cannot recommend this movie enough.

MUST SEE!

– Bryan Kluger