Tags
2010's, Analeigh Tipton, Comedy, Crazy Stupid Love, Drama, Emma Stone, Glenn Ficarra, John Requa, Jonah Bobo, Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon, Marisa Tomei, Romantic Comedy, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell
Film Title
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Directors
Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Starring
- Steve Carell as Cal Weaver
- Ryan Gosling as Jacob Palmer
- Julianne Moore as Emily Weaver
- Emma Stone as Hannah
- Kevin Bacon as David Lindhagen
- Marisa Tomei as Kate
- Jonah Bobo as Robbie Weaver
- Analeigh Tipton as Jessica
A very disarming romantic comedy, that brings in touching drama effectively, Crazy, Stupid, Love guarantees laughs and sympathy with a big heart and fabulous cast. This is for my money, one of the better romantic comedies in years.
Middle-aged Cal Weaver’s life looks like it’s going swimmingly; he’s long time been married to high school sweetheart, has two children and a good job. But this is about to take a sever nosedive as Emily reveals that she has cheated on him and now wants a divorce. Dejected and shocked, he drowns his sorrows at the bar. While there, resident Lothario Jacob Palmer takes sympathy on depressed Cal and offers to help him turn his life around. Cal accepts and smooth-talking Jacob soon has him growing more confident with a makeover and tips regarding the dating scene. Cal finds that after getting awkwardly to grips with dating, he can be quite a guy and a real charmer with the ladies. Yet while gaining confidence and his mojo back, Cal can’t help but feel that something is missing and that he may have to confront the feelings he still has for Emily. Meanwhile, Jacob finds himself falling for law student Hannah, who initially rebuffed him but wants some excitement in her life after feeling that her steady but dull boyfriend is not what she was looking for. Because he has always been the player, Jacob doesn’t know how to approach the possibility of love. Also feeling the pangs of love is Cal’s son Robbie, who has a hopeless crush on his pretty 17-year-old babysitter Jessica( who it transpires has feelings for Cal herself). Much hilarity and unexpected results abound as a result of love.
Directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa really know what they’re doing with this kind of project and ensure that the laughs flow just as much as the drama of it all. By far the largest and best thing Crazy, Stupid, Love has in its artillery is a snappy script. There is a devilish and side-splitting back and forth there;particularly in regards to the Cal and Jacob parts of the movie( the makeover of Cal is a very hysterical part), as well as a good few cynical jabs at pop culture’s idea of romance. What set apart from many other film of the crowd, was that it let the characters be flawed yet likable. With too many comedies, it becomes a case of us always having to like the characters all the time. Crazy, Stupid, Love does things differently by equally making time for the humorous aspects of the players and blending with the touching insights we get to them, expressing their insecurities and desires. The movie never ceases to be hysterically funny and irreverent, but the added parts of drama give it a lot more impact and made it a better movie that what I expected it to be. And rather than be overly predictable, there are some extremely well-timed surprises along the way, bolstered by a genuine heart and sympathy. Love and relationships are depicted as funny, complex and unexplainable, but always there no matter what. A gentle and amiable score perfectly matches the events on screen in a very accomplished way that doesn’t overstate things. The only niggle I found was that the film was a tad too long, but honestly that was the only thing in a very funny and satisfying movie.
A winning cast is the proverbial cherry on top. Steve Carell is inspired casting as the hapless Cal, who doesn’t know what to do with his life after discovering the infidelity of his wife. The required awkwardness, every man quality and emotion is glimpsed, but Carell succeeds the most at displaying his sense of humour once Cal gets a new lease of life. Some of his facial expressions are just so funny and equally touching, often in quick succession and it is hard not to want to reach through the screen and tell this guy that things will work out for him. Ryan Gosling plays remarkably well off the straight-laced and sympathetic Carell with his matinee idol image of a stud put to great use. Yet while his good looks and charisma are all there, he also gets the opportunity to reveal a bit more than just the standard role of the playboy wing man. Both men take up a lot of the story and have a blast doing so. The rapport between them is one of those winning combinations that benefits the other and ensures that the laughs and good nature of Crazy, Stupid, Love come percolating through. The distinctively emotional and expressive delivery of Julianne Moore is very well suited to the part of conflicted Emily. We witness how she begins to rue her decision to ask for divorce, despite being involved with someone else. As usual, Moore is terrific. Emma Stone is a vibrant flash of energy and has some sparkling chemistry with Ryan Gosling, alongside humour to burn. Laughs are also guaranteed courtesy of Marisa Tomei, playing the schoolteacher who sleeps with Cal and then becomes neurotic over him not bothering with her because of his new lifestyle. Her scenes are a real hoot and though the part is small, it’s well-played and memorable. Kevin Bacon has probably the least developed part of the man Emily cheated on Cal with, but has fun with it anyway in the way that he knows how. Jonah Bobo, despite his young years, comes off incredibly confident and mature when playing the young boy mooning over his babysitter crush, while also dispensing advice about love to grown ups. The lovely Analeigh Tipton sweetly portrays the longings of a girl near womanhood and the confusion of it all, very perceptively and honestly.
In fact, it must be stated that Crazy, Stupid, Love features such great chemistry from each cast member, it’s positively infectious.
A simply wonderful and warm slice of romantic comedy-drama, Crazy, Stupid, Love is the kind of the film that will leave you with a massive grin on your face.
thoughtsallsorts said:
What a fantastic review Vinnie. You’ve convinced me to watch this one. Somehow it never appealed to me until now. Might be perfect as I’m in the mood for something along these lines.
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vinnieh said:
I was pleasantly surprised by this film. Which is something I really love. I had it down as just being a generic romantic comedy, but it offers a lot more than that.
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thoughtsallsorts said:
I can see it is different – hence I’ll definitely watch it.
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vinnieh said:
I can’t wait to hear what you make of it.
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thoughtsallsorts said:
Will let you know!
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beetleypete said:
You know how I feel about most rom-coms, V. Add Steve Carell into the mix, and there is little chance of me watching this one. Glad you enjoyed it though.
Cheers mate, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
Yeah, as you aren’t partial to rom coms or Steve Carell, I suggest skipping this.
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beetleypete said:
Consider it skipped!
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Cindy Bruchman said:
Having just watched La La Land and liking Gosling and Stone together, and I like Steve Carell, I’ll give it a go. Thanks, Vinnieh.
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vinnieh said:
Everyone works well together here. The enthusiasm and heart is lovely. And thanks for reminding me I need to see La La Land, been a bit under the weather so I haven’t had the chance.
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ourglife.com said:
I really wanted to see this movie when it was released but never did and I kinda forgot about it and now I will go rent it
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vinnieh said:
That’s quite similar to me. I missed it in cinemas upon release and decided to see for myself all these years later.
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kmSalvatore said:
They play this all the time on our cable channels. I’ve watched it 3 times now.. and walk away with something different;) I’m not a big Carol fan, but this was a very nice stay at home movie. Great review V.
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vinnieh said:
I think it’s the writing that really made the film for me and the acting. It made the film something pretty great and not just an average romantic comedy.
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kmSalvatore said:
Yes Vman you right, I think that’s why I watched it 3 or more times
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vinnieh said:
Good movies are like that, they never get boring.
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SpeedySailor said:
Nice review as per, matey. I’m not even a fan of romcoms butI had a surprising amount of fun with this, and what a cast!
Milo.
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vinnieh said:
I had a blast of a time with this film. It’s nice to be surprised by a film once in a while.
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Laura Beth said:
Al and I watched this movie a few years ago, and we both thought it was great. Thanks for inspiring me to watch it again!
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vinnieh said:
I can see myself watching thid many times again in the future for all the laughs it provided.
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alexsigsworth said:
It sounds like “Love Actually”.
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vinnieh said:
I can see where that comparison might come in, but this for me is better than Love Actually.
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Rincewind said:
I loved this movie. Was a great mixture of bother comedy and sadness that come through beautifully.
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vinnieh said:
Yeah, the amiable comedy and surprising pathos made this a winner in my book. Haven’t laughed so much at a film in a long time.
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lipsyy said:
I’m not a rom-com kinda girl usually but I loved this one. Great review!
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vinnieh said:
That seems to be the consensus. Even people who don’t like romantic comedies normally, had a sweet time with this.
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Richard said:
I’ve not seen this, but having seen how well Ryan and Emma work together in La La Land, this has been added to my list of films to watch.
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vinnieh said:
I love both actors and hope to see La La Land soon, Richard.
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Purpleanais said:
Agree with the first comment, this never appealed to me but your review is making me reconsider.
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vinnieh said:
I like when my reviews do that. There’s been plenty of times I’ve heard of a film and not thought much of it. But then have been persuaded to give it a shot by a fabulous review.
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gunnardeckare said:
Seems like a film worth watching
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vinnieh said:
I highly recommend it for the laughs and characters in it.
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keepsmealive said:
We saw this one! Lots of good moments.
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vinnieh said:
It’s pretty stellar, ain’t it? Loved the parts between Carell and Gosling, couldn’t stop laughing.
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fragglerocking said:
I’ll put it on my “Phil’s on nightshift” list!
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vinnieh said:
Here’s hoping you have a fun time with this one Fraggle. I was in stitches laughing.
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bloggeray said:
I’ve watched this one. I enjoyed the movie, yes. Marisa Tomei’s cameo appearance was great. And Steve Carrell was magnificent in that role. I found Ryan Gosling’s character a bit clichéd but then the movie worked well despite everything.
Excellent review. You have touched on the various points quite well and your arguments in favour of the film do show how much you enjoyed it. Kudos!
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vinnieh said:
Tomei was hysterical, she truly made the most of her time on screen. With Carell, I wanted to comfort the guy, he had my sympathies. Cheers for commenting.
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bloggeray said:
You’re welcome!
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brettmkane said:
Very well said, Vinnie. Crazy, Stupid, Love is one of the few truly great romantic comedies. Excellent chemistry between the cast, and a smart and hilarious script. I love it!
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vinnieh said:
It’s one of the best I’ve seen in a while. It thankfully had some heart to it that made it better than cookie cutter rom coms.
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brettmkane said:
Exactly. I also really love Don Jon. Another really subversive rom com.
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vinnieh said:
I have yet to watch Don Jon.
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Thoughts in Life said:
This movie was a great one. Loved your review 😊
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vinnieh said:
This movie and your comment put a big smile on my face.
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Thoughts in Life said:
Haha, glad it did then 😊😄
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vinnieh said:
It made my day.
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Keith said:
I remember liking this one much more than I expected. Solid cast. I need to give it another look.
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vinnieh said:
You and me both. It definitely was so much more entertaining than I initially thought it would be.
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Jay said:
I remember that when I saw this in theatres, the movie ticket said Crazy Stu.
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vinnieh said:
Crazy Stu, I like that.
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Lloyd Marken said:
Great movie, great review. Now if you’ll excuse I’m going to mow the grass. But Lloyd you don’t even have a lawn. I know I just don’t like the idea of anybody cutting my grass.
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vinnieh said:
Haha, I like what you did there Lloyd. You have a good sense of humour.
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Lloyd Marken said:
Cracked me up in the film and also a scene in True Detective.
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vinnieh said:
I did laugh a lot at the scene in the film.
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Often Off Topic said:
I lost count of the amount of times I’ve watched this movie, it’s one of my favourites! I think Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling have such amazing chemistry on-screen, it’s why I was so excited to see La La Land 🙂
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vinnieh said:
It’s very entertaining in almost every way. I will have to see La La Land soon so I can give my thoughts on it.
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lupa08 said:
Hi, really enjoyed the way you captured the winning elements of the movie in your review. Also, I am now following because it seems like we have similar movie taste 🙂
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vinnieh said:
I do my best to capture what I enjoyed about a film. This was one of those that left me with a huge smile.
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abbiosbiston said:
I feel like I am the only person who just wasn’t that into this one.
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vinnieh said:
What was it that you didn’t like?
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abbiosbiston said:
I just thought it was forgettable. I can hardly remember anything about it.
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vinnieh said:
I see. I have a friend who thought the exact same as you about it.
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