Review of Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011) by Ibraheem M — 18 Feb 2014

Familiar at times, but better than if might've been. Crazy, Stupid, Love follows corporate insurance worker Cal Weaver going through a divorce with his wife Emily after learn that she cheated in him with her co-worker David Lindhagen, and after complaining about it for two days, he meets womanizer named Jacob Palmer who helps teach him about picking up woman (modern updating, and Cal has only been with one woman, his wife).

Like many romance films today, this doesn't add a lot of new things to the genre, but of course is a solid entry that changes some of the usual predictability present in other films associated with romance.

To tell the truth, this film has its share of clichés, which are some of the detractors of the film, but are something that pay tribute to awful and good modern romance films. Another detection from Crazy, Stupid, Love is the first part of the film, which somewhat bears the name of its title, but is an enjoyable part, same goes for the second and final part.

Luckily, the detractions are thrown out thanks to writer Dan Fogelman's ability to smoothly transition from romance, comedy, and drama, which is aided by smooth direction from Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, who know where, how, and when to time each scene and even the clichés (interesting fact, one scene where Cal sees rain after a tragic occurrence and states, "What a cliché.

"). What also make this film surpass expectations is the acting, and the best performance comes from Ryan Gosling as Jacob, showing us comedy skills that leave our mouths wide open, and chemistry between Steve Carell as Cal, and Emma Stone as Hannah is just oh-so entertaining.

The film contains lots and laughs and emotion, specifically from Gosling, Carell, and Stone, but other supporting cast members contribute to the party as well. It may have flaws, but its sweetness is what keeps audiences from panning it.

A romance worth seeing for those who want to see something really worth watching.