Review of Larry Crowne (2011) by Chris L — 21 Dec 2011

"I was downsized, I'm here to make sure that never happens again.".

After losing his job, a middle-aged man reinvents himself by going back to college.

REVIEW.

This feel good movie captures the emotional stress of the maturing working population and economic doldrums. The authentic everyman and everywoman portrait has a sensitive touch for the mainstream over 35 generation and avoids all over selling and over dramatizing through its restrained script, yet touching relevant points of experience and malaise that is infecting our society and living experience. Cedric the Entertainer entertains without his wacky, acidic style while both Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts capture their roles and relationships well and without any of the typical melodramatics and over the top stunts found in almost all other romantic comedies. This is a solid movie that doesn't need additional thrills, subplots along with some captivating soundtracks. The weakest part of the film is the final speech that didn't catch on fire, a non-memorable two minutes that didn't capture the depth of emotion. Tom Hanks has some great facial scenes, particularly in the beginning and else where his character speaks millions without saying anything. Well worth the money for those who are now experiencing the pits of despair as Larry Crowne to escape the harsh reality of now and issue forth some modicum of entertaining hope which is exactly what the movie was likely supposed to do.