Review of Larry Crowne (2011) by Zenon N — 13 Dec 2011

Despite the fact that most critics loathed this film, I enjoyed it. There was something about the ending that simply didn't rub me the right way. I don't know if it was the writing or the choppy way it was pasted toagether.

Either way, it was an OK ending, but the overall story was enjoyable. I think the topic of the film perfectly captures middle class America in contemporary times and in this job market. The film almost takes a Capra-esque turn but writers Hanks and Nia Vardalos ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding") seem to want to make this film their own, which is OK but it would've been better if they had stuck with the path they were going down for the first two-thirds of the movie.

Hanks and Roberts have wonderful chemistry (see "Charlie Wilson's War") and the cast was stellar -- especially Gugu Mbatha-Raw (J.J. Abrams' failed NBC series "Undercovers") who plays the upbeat Talia.

In the end, this film is good enough to rent but I'm sure what displeased most critics was that its optimism as opposed to realism of most films that have to do with a poor job market and unemployment.

Although, I thought it was a nice change. Hanks is still extremely likeable and this film is yet more proof to his talent.