Review of Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011) by Blake P — 16 Sep 2013

When looking down the long-list of romantic comedies, "Crazy, Stupid, Love" without question is an example of when the genre goes right.  Frothy to a fault but more than anything witty, the film works in part to its star-studded ensemble cast and charismatic screenplay.

Cal Miller (Steve Carrell) basically has the perfect life. He's over-forty, but that doesn't seem to be a problem, considering he and his wife (Julianne Moore) have been married for 25 years, have three smart kids, good jobs, and a nice house. That all goes down the toilet when his wife decides she wants a divorce after she sleeps with another man (Kevin Bacon).

Instantly, it isn't easy for Cal to get back into the dating pool. He's only been with one woman, and he hasn't had to use any new charm for over two decades. So when he begins to spend his days in the local bar, ladies-man Jacob (Ryan Gosling) notices and decides to take him under his wing. He shows Cal what clothes to wear and how he can pick up women. It succeeds in the end, but will Cal really have such a happy life with an unhealthy metrosexual lifestyle?

As "Crazy, Stupid Love" moves along, it's easy to see that it isn't a romantic comedy just for the girls who love anything with Drew Barrymore or Reneé Zellweger.  It works perfectly not only for women, but for men, as Carrell carries the film and much of the comedy is smart.  There isn't cheesy lines, and if clichés are coming, they're handled a lot more creatively than most.

The idea of a woman having a mid-life crisis is quickly fascinating, as most films of the genre would most likely have the man ask for the divorce and make his poor, poor attractive spouse go on the hunt for a boyfriend and ultimately succeed, while he becomes a loser. But by having the wife be the villain (although Moore is too likable to be called so), it opens many doors and makes room for other possibilities, and in this case, the Ryan Gosling/Emma Stone side-plot works flawlessly.

Overall the plot is much more complex than you'd expect, but it's in the satisfying way where it all ties together by the end.  Each individual storyline or character focus is engaging, and ultimately very charming; Gosling's attempts to make Carrell a ladies-man is hilarious and both serve as great foils for each other.

The cast, which is delicious just to hear of together, doesn't disappoint whatsoever.  Carrell, as usual, gives a strong comedic performance, and it isn't hard to root-for-him right off the bat.  Gosling seems as if he's playing himself, and he's coolly confident and sly; Stone's ability to handle quick-banter all the while being hilarious comes to good use.  Standouts include Marisa Tomei, who has a small role as Cal's crazy one-night stand, and Tipton, who is quietly awkward but ultimately fun to watch.

"Crazy, Stupid, Love" is endlessly enjoyable, to a point where it could be seen many times and still charm us.  Romantic comedies rarely work, but this one does easily.