"You talked about Crisis as the ultimate
decision a character makes, but what if a
writer is attempting to create a story
where nothing much happens, where people
don't change, they don't have any
epiphanies. They struggle and are
frustrated and nothing is resolved. More
a reflection of the real world."
- Charlie Kaufman (Adaptation)
Larry Crowne
Tom Hanks has a likable persona. Larry Crowne is a likable guy. Seems to me that Crowne is the closest we'll ever come to seeing Hanks play himself for an entire film.
Co-written (Nia Vardalos is his co-writer) and directed by Hanks, Larry Crowne is a slight film about two adults re-adjusting their lives. There's no tragedy in this film; no one dies. There are no tear-inducing, Oscar scenes. The laughs are few and far between; though I found myself smiling though most of the movie.
Hanks' co-star, Julia Roberts, is kind of great here. She manages to play herself, much the same way Hanks is playing himself. There's an honesty at work with these two in this film, and I found each of their character's stories interesting to watch because of it.
The supporting cast is also very good. Gugu Mbatha-Raw is crazy adorable. Wilmer Valerramma, Cedric the Entertainer, and Taraji P. Henson are fun. Bryan Cranston fulfills his requirement here. He's essentially the only asshole in the film, and he sticks out because of it. This is the film's main flaw. It's like, we're introduced to his character and then we hate him. And, that's it. Not very well written.
But, what the hell do I know? I'm no Hollywood screenwriter, let alone one who has been nominated for Oscars.
Some might get bored with this movie. I enjoyed it. It's a PG film with a few swear words. Nothing wrong with that in my book. I also enjoy hearing Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers whenever I get the chance.
There's also something extremely appealing about watching a character who has no real faults or vices. Quite frankly, it's refreshing. Not everyone has an asshole or a douchebag inside of him or her. I look forward to living my life through the philosophy of Larry Crowne. Whenever in a pickle, I'll simply ask myself, "What would Larry Crowne do?" The answer will no doubt be likable.
4 out of 5
