People the world over have been waiting for a new romantic comedy.
Yearning, aching, thirsting, wanting, needing a new romantic comedy.
Well, rejoice my brothers and sisters, here it is. Crazy Stupid Love stars Steve Carell as Cal Weaver, a middle aged married man who has just had divorce thrust on him by his wife, Emily (Julianne Moore). He’s not very happy about it. He starts patronizing a trendy bar telling anyone who will listen, and some who try not to, about his woes.
This is how he meets Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), gadabout and general dreamboat. Jacob takes Cal under his wing, teaching him the ways of the Lothario. And as Cal gets better at picking up women, the twisted web of love becomes more complicated. Because as much as he’s trying to move on, Cal still loves his wife, who probably still loves him, but there’s this Kevin Bacon guy at the office… Did I mention that Cal’s son loves the babysitter who really loves Cal? Also, Gosling might love Emma Stone who is a lawyer he tried to pick up, but failed.
It’s like the intro to an episode of “Soap”, but in a good way.
The chemistry between Carell and Gosling really works. The evolution of their relationship might be the most heartwarming in the film. Moore, Stone, and a brief appearance from Marisa Tomei are all really solid.
Surprisingly, the emotional heart of the film is Cal’s son, and I wish I were making this up: Jonah Bobo. Always the true believer that love will conquer all, he keeps the other characters on track.
Crazy Stupid Love is a well acted, well written piece of slightly fluffy cinema. There’s no war, no death, just people and their problems, some of which I think most people can relate to. Most of all, it is a genuine pleasure to watch, and how often can you say that anymore? - [DVD] [Blu-Ray]
Comedy/Drama/Romance
Rated PG-13
DVD Release Date: 11/1/11
[...] CRAZY STUPID LOVE [...]