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Lady-killer Jacob (Ryan Gosling), left, gives dating advice to a nerdy separated family man (Steve Carell) in the smart and funny comedy “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” |
“Crazy, Stupid, Love.” believes in the miraculous power of romance to transform schlubs into studs and reduce cocky Lotharios to puppies.
Yet, it also understands how this unpredictable force can wipe out reason and turn ordinary, sane people into blithering basketcases operating on embarrassing impulses and obsessive whims.
“Crazy, Stupid, Love.” constantly surprises us. Then it surprises us more.
It loves all of its flawed and flailing characters with equal abandon and celebrates the ability of love — we’re talking true love, mind you — to triumph over thoughtless and hurtful actions.
This is a very smart, fresh, funny and endearing comedy that tells us love means you always have to say you’re sorry, because forgiveness is a useful weapon in the fight for personal happiness.
Cal (“The Office” refugee Steve Carell) thinks he’s been happily married to his junior high crush Emily (Julianne Moore) for more than two decades when she blurts out “I want a divorce!”
Now in a single apartment existence, Cal tries the bar scene, but his Velcro-closure wallet, bad haircut and dingy New Balance Model 407 runners (the 700 and 800 series are far superior) prove to be instant chick repellents.
A lady-killer bar denizen named Jacob (Ryan Gosling) watches Cal drink his berry-flavored vodka from a straw and loudly lament how his wife has been seduced by her office mate, David. (Read more…)