Why is the movie getting such a bad rap?? It's really a very charming film with wonderful acting by Hanks and Roberts as well as a very good support cast. While the plot itself is no great shakes, it's very interesting, especially in these times of disheavelment. I know a lot of people as well as critics don't like it. Amazed. It's a 'feel good' kind of movie with no villains. Maybe that's why it doesn't sell to the average movie goer who likes foul language, violence, special effects and fast paced editing with hand held cameras yet. This is an old fashioned movie that was made in the 50-60's, so it's not relevant today? Too bad. See this one and you won't be disappointed. AND DON'T READ THOSE UNKIND COMMENTS.
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ron-fernandez-pittsburgh16 December 2011
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BoomerDT27 October 2015This is, at least for me, a perfect type of HBO movie, where I just viewed it. It isn't loaded with special effects and non-stop ridiculous violence, which may be why some of the reviewers hate it. Actually, not a whole lot happens in this story of Larry Crowne, a 50 yr old ex-Navy vet who has been laid off from his retail job and decides to go attend community college. (It is hard to believe he couldn't find another retail job, but we've got to get Tom Hanks in college) Larry does seem to really find himself in college and falls in love with with his speech teacher, Julia Roberts, who is in the process of splitting with her hubby,a frustrated writer who is obsessed with ladies with large boobs. That's about it, but it's only 98 minutes of time spent, Hanks and Roberts are pleasant to watch in the type of role they can do in their sleep. As I said, not a whole lot happens but that's somewhat similar to life most the time.
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To begin, I'm not sure what some of the other reviewers expected to see in this film. Larry Crowne is not a sizzling drama, a fast paced action movie, or an over-the-top comedy, & it's not likely to win a bunch of Oscars for acting, screenplay or anything else for that matter. What is is, however, is a well written, fun movie that is fairly well acted & very enjoyable.
The story does take a little bit to unfold, but does so in an organic way as not to give away too much too soon. The cast was well chosen & I found the characters to have been well developed & really fun people. Like most other films, there is certainly some creative license taken in that most everybody in it is funny and likable, which is what you want from a film like this. If only reality were filled with such great people, we should all be so lucky.
There are a few loose ends that may have been stitched up a bit better (per several of the reviews I have read) but I'm not sure that was necessary at all to the story. Moviegoers these days seem to have a need for everything to be spelled out to the Nth degree. If it wasn't critical for the story to unfold, it didn't make its way into the picture. There's something to be said for movies that leave a bit to the imagination for the viewer after the film is over, Keeps you thinking about it for awhile after you've left your seat.
I would watch it again. I left feeling good, with a smile on my face, which is what I was after upon deciding to watch it. -
lyncorr24 September 2011Larry Crowne was a charming movie that catches you by surprise until you find yourself smiling by the end. A simple but meaningful plot causes some character transformations during the course of the film. Admittedly this movie did get off to a slow start and after an hour I just started to really enjoy it, especially during the turning point when Mercedes (played by Julia Roberts) realizes that her husband who is a self-employed and self-professed narcissistic (ex-professor turned) blogger/writer/chronic pornaholic is just not worth the trouble which signals the end of her marriage. At the beginning of the movie she is a bitter, depressed English/Communications professor that hates her job and drowns herself in alcohol. Then she meets Larry Crowne who little by little changes her life as she does the same for him.
Larry (played by Tom Hanks) gets downsized at the start of the movie supposedly because he doesn't have a college degree. After being in the navy for 20 years, he did not have time to go back to school and after getting advice from his neighbour Lamar (played by Cedric the Entertainer) he decides to enroll in Community College. He meets a young girl and a group of riders (on scooters) who become his friends. This same young lady gives him a new wardrobe, haircut and rearranges his house and his perspective on life. However, the first indication that Mercedes is interested in Larry is when she sees the two together and instantly gets jealous. She gets equally upset when he misses one of her classes. When she is stranded in the middle of the street at night after she exits her husband's car after a fight, Larry comes to her rescue. She allows him to take her home reluctantly and they have a ridiculously awkward kiss to the viewers but magical for them. Of course, they can't act on their emotions because of the teacher/student relationship so Mercedes appears disinterested and expresses this to Larry.
After the final presentation in class everyone falls in love with Larry. Mercedes awards him an A+ and goes to the diner where he works to give him the news and suggest her availability, as she is no longer his teacher. The pair inevitably gets together. Larry also does extremely well his first semester at school. He aces his Economics class, which also gives him the knowledge to handle his debt and sell his house. All in all, this movie had a good message and the characters all find redemption at the end. These two main actors still have what it takes to pull off a good movie and they have great on screen chemistry.
I give this movie 7 stars! -
Plezsno21 July 2013Scooters are normally fun, and on Larry Crowne's trip, he loses his job, goes back to school, falls for his professor and manages an enjoyable ride.
And just like a real outing, visiting the world's biggest ball of yarn may be interesting to see, but the characters that are met along the way are what make it or break it. From the start, Tom Hanks gives a pleasing performance as the off camber title character, and Julia Roberts, as his speech professor and crush, is equally as satisfying. While many of the supporting characters enhance the tour, two really stand out. George Takei as the stoic economics professor could believably show up to class riding a donkey without the students knowing whether to laugh or start taking notes. The high point, however, is Gugu Mbatha-Rau's enamoring interpretation of Talia Francesco. She plays the bubbly Talia with the a charisma that could break up a European Vespa gang.
The movie travels at an acceptable pace without stalling at any one place for too long. Writing, directing, and editing all serve to support Larry's trip from place to place and character to character.
In the end, when I come across a scooter, I may rent one or I may not. The same applies to this movie. While I wouldn't suggest to anyone to seek it out, if you happen upon it with some time to kill, it's an entertaining ride. -
Okay, I'm just going to say it... I still LOVE Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts in frivolous romantic comedies. I have to respect actors who know their niche in the industry and lovingly embrace it. Tom and Julia as covert operatives for the CIA? Ugh, box office disaster. But... Tom as an age-worn everyman struggling to stay competitive in today's ruthless economic climate and Julia as a slightly cantankerous and pessimistic junior college instructor whose outlook on life is just waiting to be converted by Tom's positivity and self-initiative? Golden.
This film stars Tom Hanks as Larry Crowne, a superlative retail sales employee who finds himself on the chopping block after a recent corporate overhaul on account of the completely non-relevant fact that he never attended college. Eager to gain some control over his rapidly unraveling life, he enrolls in a local community college where he meets Julia Roberts' character, a speech and communications instructor named Mercedes whose faith in public education and sobriety are both on shaky ground. The audience will have a great time commiserating with Larry and the financial woes that he struggles with: downsizing from a gas- guzzling sport utility vehicle to discovering the joys of motor-scooting across the expansive Valley, struggling to balance part-time work and classes, losing his home, to finally, losing his preconceived notions about what exactly constitutes a successful life.
Tom Hanks does a great job in keeping the thematic undercurrents of the movie from dragging us down too far -- his Larry Crowne character is delightfully innocent in this movie, seemingly unmarred by the bitterness and resentment that so often colors stories of the recent economic recession and its downtrodden, and exudes a type of go-with- the-flow positivity that I recall seeing in 'Forrest Gump.' Heck, he even gets the girl.... on a side-note, check out the actor who plays the economics professor in the fictional East Valley Community College. It's guaranteed to induce uncomfortable flashbacks about your own introductory weeder courses in college!
This movie was deliciously light and frothy, a sort of pared-down social commentary on how people need to adapt and keep adapting in these times, how fickle and unsympathetic the winds of change can be. The critics who call it trite and without substance can kiss my solid middle-class ass -- I found it to be a gentle reminder about how tough it is out there economically, and the message sat well with the audience I attended with, who weren't really interested in watching anything that hit too close to home.
Go watch this flick if you have the desire to watch an after-school special made for adults. Okay, so the likelihood that an unemployed, middle-aged man in LA would go back to school, ride with a scooter-gang, and develop an attraction for a hottie professor that was reciprocated is practically nil. We can't eat fiber all the time, right? At least this picture promotes staying positive in light of the crappy economy, and I was rooting for Larry Crowne from the second he started downsizing his life. Live long and prosper, everyone. -
nutsberryfarm13 October 2013on the surface this is a simple story we've heard before: man thinks he's going to win employee of the month award & gets the olé break room shakedown pulled on him and he finds himself without a job. sad? sure. tragic? maybe. too salty? of course. but i need more! and i got it. yes, it requires the viewer to put on their cinematic scuba gear & jump right into the world of community colleges, men wanting to be men, a diner run by a taskmaster with a dubious' tough but fair' philosophy. dangerous? sometimes. reminiscent of henrik ibsen's 'lady inger of ostrat'? no way, jose. at this point something starts to happen. you begin to hear: who is larry crowne? what is larry crowne? where is larry crowne? are scooter gangs really more scourge than scandal? what am i going to have for lunch today? those are called questions. and they float on the surface of time when you consider this movie which in scope & size & feel remind one of a fresh box of krispy kreme doughnuts on a slightly damp fall morning when the sun is playing a game of hide & seek with the clouds...and that's, well, crownetastic.
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phuocle2 July 2011There's nothing complex about this movie at all but Tom Hanks did a fine job as actor & director. Julia Roberts was Julia Roberts. It's just a good movie to watch with friends on a summer afternoon and nothing more than that. If you come in expecting more, you'll be disappointed. If not, you may just be pleasantly surprised. It moves quick enough and some of the supporting actors really add spice to the movie (George Takei's character for example). If you ride a scooter, you may get some of the references in the movie, which would be a plus. In fact, if you ride a scooter, go see it! I enjoyed it thoroughly. Co- written by Tom Hanks and Nia Vardalos (of My Big Fat Greek Wedding fame).
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ferguson-62 July 2011Greetings again from the darkness. I view Tom Hanks as one of the all-time giants among movie actors. He is true Hollywood royalty. When I heard he was producing, directing, co-writing and starring in a new film, I assumed it was his first step in becoming the new Clint Eastwood. Sadly, Mr. Hanks broke the number rule of movie-making: have a point to make or a story to tell. What we get is a 1980's flashback when mainstream movies could be successful just by putting nice people on screen.
And nice people is what we get. Tom Hanks plays the ultimate nice guy as Larry Crowne. Crowne is the type who attracts nice people and makes them even nicer. Even when he loses his job, we never doubt that this nice guy will land on his feet and even be better off eventually. Oh no you don't ... stop trying to guess the ending! Other nice people are ... EVERY STUDENT in the speech class taught by Ms. Roberts, the L.A. scooter club that recruits Crowne, the Marine owner of a diner who hires Crowne, the lottery-winning neighbors of Crowne and the dean of students at the community college. The nicest one of all is Talia, played delightfully by Gugu Mbatha-Raw (from the awful "Undercovers" show that lasted less than one season).
The closest thing to a bad guy is Roberts' husband played by Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad). His fault? He is a bit lazy (after writing two books) and he likes to look at swimsuit models on the internet. Sure, when the movie starts, Ms. Roberts character is at her lowest. She clearly drinks too much to mask her misery, though it's never clear just why she is so miserable.
But this is not a movie about conflict or tension or anything not nice ... even though it begins with a nice guy getting laid off from his job. The story and screenplay are co-written by Hanks and Nia Vardalos. You will remember her as the creative force behind the gem "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". Unfortunately, this film is nowhere close to the level of that one.
If Mr. Hanks' goal is to become an important filmmaker in the vein of Clint Eastwood, or even Frank Capra, he will need to study the films that have made him rich and famous. Or at least study the best screwball comedies or rom-coms. A good movie must have CONFLICT! There needs to be something that creates interest for the viewer. Simple, bland, generic, nice, likable and swell can all play a part ... but they can't be EVERY part! My two favorite things about the film are George Takei and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Mr. Takei (of Star Trek fame) provides some of the few laughs in the film as a very meticulous Economics professor. His voice and mannerisms inspire us to smile and ultimately laugh outloud. Gugu is just terrific as the idealistic free-spirit who transforms Crowne and lights up her every scene. Can't wait to see what she does next.
As you might expect, supporting actors lined up to work with Hanks and Julia. Among those not mentioned above are Cedric the Entertainer and Taraji B. Henson (Crowne's neighbors), Wilmer Valderrama (Gugu's boyfriend), Rita Wilson (the mortgage officer), Pam Grier (professor), Grace Gummel (Meryl Streep's daughter as the 'pasta' speech student), and it's always nice to see Bob Stevenson on screen. He is one of the more underutilized deadpan comedic talents around.
There is little doubt that this film will find an audience. An audience that demands little from a movie. There is nothing wrong with two hours of back-slapping and giddy smiling ... as long as you get a story to go along with it. -
moviexclusive1 July 2011We in the tiny island of Singapore should count ourselves lucky given the current economic situation facing the superpowers in the Western world, most notably the United States. After all, despite much looming uncertainty on the global front, our economy is still poised to grow steadily this year, and unemployment continues to be something most of us read about in the papers rather than having to experience for ourselves. Many in the United States however are not quite as fortunate, and it is these people that Tom Hanks has chosen to speak to through his second outing as director. The titular character Larry Crowne (which Hanks also plays) represents the typical middle-aged blue-collar worker, and Crowne's circumstance is similar to the predicament many of these in the US are currently facing. As the film opens, Crowne is the affable manager in a Walmart-like chain store who thinks he's being summoned for what would be his ninth 'Employee of the Month' award, only to find out that management is firing him for not possessing a college degree. Yes, when it comes to the sack, corporate will come up with whatever reason they can think of- and Hanks isn't afraid to portray them as smug, callous individuals. Facing mortgage payments and imminent foreclosure, Crowne responds by taking the advice of his lottery-lucky neighbours (Cedric the Entertainer and Taraji B. Henson) and enrols himself in community college. The move turns out to be a blessing in disguise, as the ostensibly over-aged Crowne meets the hip free-spirited Talia (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), joins her friendly biker gang, learns to ride a scooter, trades in his clothes for newer hipper attire, regains control of his finances and gets to fall in love with his English public speaking class teacher Mercedes Tainot (Julia Roberts). That's a lot of positive change just from one move, so much so that Crowne losing his job seems little more than a blip in his life. Unlike last year's "The Company Men", or even "Up in the Air", which also dealt with the prescient theme of unemployment, Hanks' treatment of the subject is so decidedly upbeat that it isn't just bittersweet- it's really just sweet. And indeed, one can certainly find fault with Hanks' sugar-coated handling of essentially a downbeat, depressing real-life issue many individuals find difficulty grappling with- most of them without the same kind of fortune or turnaround that Crowne manages to get by with. But hey Hanks' intentions are, if you think hard about it, logical- why would you want to go to the cinema and watch someone fictional go through the same disheartening situation you're in? So instead Hanks and his co-writer Nia Vardalos (the breakout star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding which Hanks produced) have firmly traded in gloom and pessimism for cheer and optimism, where Crowne becomes a living, breathing, walking model of positivity. The simple message their 98-min movie tries to convey is this- see change as something positive rather than negative, and embrace wholeheartedly the possibilities it brings. There are certainly truisms to the film's earnest and sincere message, so simplistic though it may sound, the genuinely buoyant fable- together with its rather infectious spirit- does succeed in making you feel more sanguine. Of course, a huge reason why "Larry Crowne" is able to get its audience to believe in its message of hope is Tom Hanks himself. Playing Crowne may hardly be a stretch for the Academy Award-winning actor, but Hanks brings his immense charm and Everyman appeal to bear on his character. Julia Roberts is equally winning as Crowne's romantic interest, her character undergoing her own transformation whether as a disillusioned teacher or as a disgruntled wife. Hanks and Roberts are pros, and the former "Charlie Wilson's War" stars share an easy and engaging rapport with each other. Other notable performances from the ensemble cast include a hilarious turn by George Takei as Crowne's economics professor Dr. Matsutani who comes with his own unique quirky sense of humour; as well as an effervescent Gugu Mbatha-Raw as the vivacious classmate Talia who is ultimately responsible for Crowne's makeover. Hanks gives each of the film's supporting characters room and time to shine, even if it means underplaying the scenes he is in, and these myriad personas in turn add colour, variety and rhythm to the film. In only his sophomore outing as director, Hanks reveals an assuredness that gives the film a breezy pace by giving each scene time to grow and develop, and yet not allowing them to overstay their welcome- one is quietly thankful that Vardalos is not director here, especially considering her less-than stellar directorial debut "I Hate Valentine's Day". But together with "That Thing You Do!", there is a unmistakable similarity in the type of films Hanks makes as a director- light-hearted jaunty movies designed to put its audience in a feel-good mood. The choice of material is also testament to Hanks' knowledge and confidence of his own strengths, especially that of a likable Average Joe- and this recession fable works perfectly well on that level. Even if it does deal with a gloomy subject, Hanks' determination to turn it into something positive in order to inspire his audience is admirable, and you'll quickly find yourself yielding to its low-key but no less infectious charm. It's a fairy tale for the times, if you will, but we could all do with a little hope in these uncertain times.
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Hellmant11 July 2011'LARRY CROWNE': Two and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
Tom Hanks directs his second feature film (after 1996's 'THAT THING YOU DO'). He also co-wrote the screenplay with Nia Vardalos (the writer and star of 'MY BIG FAT Greek WEDDING', which Hanks produced) and stars in the film with Julia Roberts. With all that high caliber A list talent attached you'd think the film would be something special (especially for a summer release) but it's not. It's just an average romantic comedy with nothing witty, new or original to offer. There are a few laughs and touching moments but for the most part the film is mediocre at best.
Hanks plays the title role of Larry Crowne, a humble and well liked employee of a successful retail store who suddenly finds himself laid off when the store has to resort to downsizing in order to maintain high profits. Although he was extremely good at his job (and employee of the month nine times) he's let go due to his lack of college experience. Forced to sell his house and his car to get by he decides to go back to school in order to better himself and improve his chances of finding employment. Once at school he finds new friends in fellow outcasts and develops a crush on his speech teacher Mercedes Tainot (Roberts). Mrs. Tainot has lost all passion in her job and love for her porn addicted husband (Bryan Cranston) and finds inspiration in Larry. Larry of course finds new inspiration in life (as well) as his whole world begins to change.
The film is funny at times (nothing laugh out loud but it is mildly amusing) and it's also inspirational to a certain extent (but nothing we haven't seen before). With Hanks and Roberts starring in the film you just expect an attempt at something more at least. It just feels so happy in it's mediocrity, which is a little bizarre coming from what appears to be a big summer movie (at first glance) with two of Hollywood's biggest stars in the leads. I loved Hank's first directorial effort, 'THAT THING YOU DO', and it's actually one of my favorite films of his. So knowing he has so much more to offer makes this all the more disappointing. Not a bad film just very far from a good one.
Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QlrJnwsHOM -
bbbaldie8 November 2012People love it or hate it, it seems.
Probably not among Hanks' classics, but I was downsized at the age of 51 a week before this movie came out.
Needless to say, it was an emotional experience.
A year and change later, I have the best job I've ever had. I watched it again, and the experience was still emotional, but this time it was triumph screaming in my soul instead of poignancy and worry.
Sue me, I loved it.
(addendum) God, is my review really too short to be submitted? Is brevity something to be penalized? I know a lot of people, and believe me, most of them err on the side of yakking too much. And here you are telling me my review must be lengthened. Geez. :-/ -
Larry Crowne is one of those movies that really show the modern times as they are.
Almost any modern movie these days, viewers have to worry about what they are walking into and will be seeing. Several times I have paid good money to see a movie and then regretted even wasting a dollar – that is if movies would even cost a dollar.
Nevertheless, the blurb of a man who loses his job and ends up going back to school and, therefore, takes better control over his life was an irresistible theme to watch how it would play out. Many of us have been in this position and the numbers are increasing in this direction every day.
Tom Hanks played this role as Larry Crowne, written by Hanks and Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) very well from demonstrating at the outset that he was a professional, hardworking individual who gets dealt a lousy hand. Individuals who get stuck in the same predicament because something in life prevented them from obtaining a college degree, understands this theme even more than other common movie attendees. Toward the end of the movie when he sees one of his rivals undergoing a similar issue, his reaction is stupendous and envious of even the more embittered unemployed.
Frankly, the Julia Roberts character was also prevalent of the times where working women nowadays often have to support deadbeat husbands – but mainly "boyfriends" – who live off their women's salaries while undertaking extracurricular activities with someone else. Unfortunately, this is a recurring problem that is happening more and more frequently in the current times where women will do anything in order to keep a man, even allow his disrespect of their homes, wages, bodies and sometimes their children.
I found the rather humorous subplot of the alternative transportation and subsequent group rather lightening for such a sometimes down heartened plot of economic issues and modern American culture.
Nevertheless, the entire movie, which sometimes seems not to "go" anywhere at times, is a good demonstration of the times and a man and women, beaten down by their own personal demons, still fighting and struggling to gain what they need to continue forward.
Other notable mentions in the movie were the facts of spouses and familiar faces to the other actors and writers, the overall lack of moralistic controversial issues that would have strayed from the theme, and the forward movement thinking that over 40 or over 50 does not mean you are dead.
Unfortunately, some dislikes I had for this particular movie was the free-spirited young girl leaving school to open her own shop when she could become much more business-minded by completing her education, and thus learning how to avoid issues that might crop up in the industry. Another item that seemed to be mentioned more than once was the racial references to the African-Americans "lack of opportunity because of the color of their skin." I found that rather insulting at times during the movie.
As one viewer said, "This was a light-hearted movie that didn't need extra emotional material but was able to still convey an overall theme of issues that are facing almost 10 percent of the American workforce."
Many times when sequels are developed from good plots, viewers often question why add something that will perhaps diminish the good of the original movie plot. However, at the end of Larry Crowne, I am hoping that there will be sequel which would demonstrate more of the state of our country's economic affairs and perhaps see the character, Larry Crowne, establishing himself as a an eventual teacher. -
shawn_and6 July 2011I cannot believe the reviews I am reading for this movie! I would have walked out except I thought my friend was enjoying it, after leaving the theater I found out she did not like it as much as I did. From the beginning when Larry gets fired, it felt so stiff, acting and screenplay was not done well. He goes off to college, big surprise here! Meets young, hot girl who will change his appearance, and make him better looking when he was fine the way he was. All this movie promoted is what is wrong with America, change your looks to suit everyone else, foreclose on your home instead of paying your bills, divorce your husband and as he is getting pulled over for DUI laugh at him, etc. Hello, Julia Roberts is an alcoholic in the film and yet she and Hanks hook up and both of them have issues to work on, no chemistry at all between them. When they kissed it was so fake. It could have been so good, the right actors were there, loved the economics professor, when he was on screen it was the only time I got a good laugh.
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The tepid reviews that this 2011 dramedy is receiving have been pervasive, yet there is something innately Capraesque about Tom Hanks' sophomore directorial effort, his first since 1996's "That Thing You Do!" The movie proudly wears its heart on its sleeve, and the commitment that Hanks shows in his character's plight goes a long way to compensate for the episodic, by-the-numbers screenplay co-written by Hanks and Nia Vardalos ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding"). The screenplay is what makes the film a bit disheartening to watch since its amiable nature and can-do sensibilities don't produce much in the way of compelling conflict. The concept appears timely, but the treatment feels like a Hollywood studio-manufactured version of what happens when sudden unemployment and economic hardship alter your reality.
The title character is a divorced man in his mid-fifties who is the ideal employee in a Walmart-type store after spending nearly twenty years as a cook in the Navy. Thinking he was about to win another employee of the month award, Larry finds out that he is the victim of a downsizing ostensibly due to his lack of a college degree being told he has reached his maximum growth potential with the store. In order to ensure that he never has this problem again, Larry enrolls in a local community college where is advised to take an introductory economics course and a class on public speaking where he meets a lovely but disillusioned professor named Mercedes Tainot, herself dealing with a bad marriage and a drinking problem. Larry also acquires a scooter and attracts the strictly platonic attention of a fellow student named Tania, a free spirit who is a member of a harmlessly hip scooter gang and makes him over to look more fashion forward.
Little time is spent on Larry's actual economic situation, and Hanks uses the convenient device of a pretentious loan officer (played comically by his wife, Rita Wilson) to explain what Larry has to do to curtail his sinking mortgage payments. Along the way, he finds a job as a line cook at a diner, makes new friends, and learns to loosen up a little and enjoy the small things in life. At first, Hanks as an actor appears to be in "Forrest Gump" mode as Larry, avuncular and docile to the point of appearing mentally challenged, but then he gravitates toward his "You've Got Mail" character when he sets out to win Roberts' heart. As Mercedes, Roberts seems to be sliding into middle age a lot smoother than I would have expected from an actress whose popularity peaked a decade ago. She's certainly a lot more endearing here than she was in her navel-gazing exercise last year, "Eat, Pray, Love".
Gugu Mbatha-Raw is appealing as Tania, but her character is probably the most unbelievable in the story. As Larry's constantly huckstering neighbor, Cedric the Entertainer is used primarily for comic relief, while Taraji P. Henson has a barely-there role as his perky wife. So does Pam Grier who provides her earthy presence all far too briefly as Mercedes' fellow faculty member. Bryan Cranston has the predictable role of Mercedes' porn-surfing, no-account husband and plays him exactly to formula. George Takei steals several scenes as the self-absorbed economics professor, while Wilmer Valderrama appears to be upending his role as Fez on "The 70's Show" as Tania's innocuously jealous boyfriend. By the way, it's hard to miss Grace Gummer as one of the students since she is a carbon copy of her mother Meryl Streep's younger self. The movie rallies in the second half of its 99-minute running time, but despite a heavy likability factor due to its stars, I wish there was less Hollywood fairy tale dust in the story. -
JohnDeSando30 June 2011Larry Crowne is the king of summer romances, a sweet story about the titular middle-aged nice guy (Tom Hanks), who gets a new life after being let go from a Wal-Mart-like retail store. His renaissance comes in the form of a community college education starting with a speech course taught by the attractive but dour Mercedes Tainot (Julia Roberts).
The romance that ensues between the two stars, pupil and teacher, is not fully realized until they no longer have that academic relationship. Their quiet progress makes this a successful romance: Nothing is hurried, nothing forced, even when Julia Roberts asks him into her home and he turns her down!
Hanks' Larry is just as likable as the actor, an everyman who needs an education so he won't be downsized again. Roberts' "Mercy" is an unassuming (except for her looks) teacher who needs students like Larry to remind her that it is possible to change lives even at a little "Vassar in the Valley' college.
The other students make this film pleasant and humorous as well, a congregation of eccentric youths who look as if they just stepped out of the old sitcom, Welcome Back, Kotter. While making Larry hipper than he could ever hope, they also show their slow but sure transformation into education appreciators when good teachers "care." George Takei of Star Trek fame humorously plays an economics prof, from whom Larry learns about the nuances of business, but with less passion than in Mercy's class.
This film doesn't earn a grade higher than a B because also playing now is Midnight in Paris, a much wittier comic romance written by Woody Allen. Yet Tom Hanks and Nia Vardalos are no slouches in the writing as they infuse their characters with humor and energy while keeping the story right for its two still-luminous stars. -
oceansroar7 January 2012i love Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts films and had hoped that the two together would be awesome, but i was a little disappointed. i cannot exactly put my finger on it, but it felt a little off. Larry (Tom Hanks) loses his job from a Walmart-type store because he did not go to college. It seems far-fetched, but i let it slide. So, what does he do? He goes to college. Who is his teacher? Mercedes Tainot played by Julia Roberts. So you can fill in the puzzle from there. It is a typical chick flick, but with a little quirkiness. Unfortunately the quirkiness was the character Talia, which was a little to strange and never played out or explained fully. One good point for the film, it was a throw back to a more wholesome time before every filmed had sex and foal language in every other scene. i hope both Hanks and Roberts find a better vehicle for their talent next time.
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Okay, so Larry Crowne is not award-winning, groundbreaking material; but it sure does not deserve to be torn to shreds in reviews. It's a story about a man starting over after being "downsized" from his job in retail. Why go into it with all these great expectations? The story line is simple and straightforward. Let's be honest. It does not need a whole lot to be deemed a success. I mean, hello, it has Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. They have amazing careers and a huge fan base. Overall, it is enjoyable. Tom Hanks is, as always,charming. He makes the audience genuinely care for Larry Crowne. Julia Roberts provided unexpected, yet welcome comical timing as Mercedes Tainot. As a big fan of hers, I will have to say that Larry Crowne is one of my favorite films starring her post-Erin Brockovich. I was not expecting to find this movie funny, yet I caught myself giggling at clever quips and such. Also, there is a number of supporting characters that are vital to the comical effect of the movie. Larry Crowne is about a man finding his way after being let go from his previous job. The audience gets to root for Larry and watch him succeed. It's a feel good, light-hearted movie with a touch of romance...just sit back and enjoy it.I was very pleasantly surprised after seeing all the reviews it got. I can't speak for everyone, but I would go see it again.
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alanrayford29 April 2012Larry Crowne is not a bad movie, per se. Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts afford their roles well. Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Wilmer Valderrama, Pam Grier, Bryan Cranston, George Takei, Taraji P. Henson, Cedric the Entertainer and the rest of the supporting players back them up admirably and flesh out the world this takes place in. The script keeps itself light, breezy and moves along. There are also quite a few laughs. While not of the raucous, belly laughing variety, the setups and punch-lines never failed to illicit a smile on my part.
Larry Crowne also serves as a movie for the times. Many people here in the states and abroad have indeed had to reinvent themselves during these hard times. So a movie about a man who's thrown to the wolves and finds himself having to do the same does indeed deserve to exist; even if it does romanticize the situation. So take that, Ebert.
There's only one problem with Larry Crowne, and it sadly mars the hell out of what would otherwise be a totally enjoyable flick. The problem is from the moment Larry (Tom Hanks) and Professor Tainot (Julia Roberts) first laid eyes on each other, even a blind man could see how things were to end. Everything proceeds along a well worn path.
Many have put Larry Crowne's lukewarm critical and commercial reception on Hanks and Roberts playing it safe. But, I say nay. Forrest Gump and Pretty Woman were a long time ago, and, since then, their star wattage has faded tremendously. So comparing their current work to the stuff they were doing 15-plus years ago is akin to comparing two completely different actors.
So what really is the basic problem with Larry Crowne and pretty much all other movies that never stray far from the beaten path? The problem is it overstays its welcome. There is a point in the film, with about ten minutes left, when the movie would've been wise to stop. Everything was in place. We all knew what was going to happen. All they had to do to save the production from being almost unbearably cookie cutter was end it there, with that scene in the diner.
But, no. Instead, Tom Hanks (co-writer/director) and Nia Vardalos (co-writer) opted to spend the final ten minutes clubbing the audience over the head with what had been obvious since Larry first stumbled into Professor Tainot's classroom. And, on these ten minutes, I'll cede to Ebert's charge of them not needing to exist. Yet they do. And, in doing so, drag everything down into a syrupy blend of yadda yadda, been there-done that.
Still, I can't bring myself to say Larry Crowne is a bad film. It's just a little too familiar for its own good. If you want to see an easygoing flick which doesn't take any real investment to sit back and watch for 100 minutes, this is a good pick. It's fun and easy to digest. It's also one hell of a good date flick, and infinitely more tolerable than anything with Ryan Gosling (excluding Drive). Just don't expect to be fully engaged, even once, during its running time.
Were it not for those last ten minutes, Larry Crowne would be a much better movie that had just enough ambiguity to put off the by-the-numbers-plot. But those last ten minutes are there and lower what should be a solid 8/10 down to a 6.8/10. Since IMDb doesn't allow for decimal places, I'm rounding up to the above score. -
What is this film about?!? OK, a bloke loses his job and he is in the latter years of life....And er, he goes to school and thats it, oh wait, he meets an alcoholic teacher and they sort of get it on! There is no chemistry in this film because the script doesn't require it. I can imagine when the original idea was pitched, it made sense, but on screen, it has nothing. I was bored at 30 minutes, at an hour it was starting to get to a point, but of course its only 1hr 40, so i rightly figured the remaining 40 mins would be boring!! I love Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, in fact I also respect Bryan Cranston who has a bit part that he should regret, but simply put, if you don't have a decent story, don't stand up on set, this is the absolute example of that!!! Watch it on telly when it appears, but don't pay to see it, that would be a waste.
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khawir24 March 2012Larry Crowne is the perfect example of a movie that will make you feel good after a tiresome week at work... No brain twisters, no cheap/vulgar humor, no extravagant display of emotions, and no messages to make the world a better place and such... Just subtle brilliance...
The acting by all was superb especially Julia Roberts who didn't have many lines to say but her expressions and gestures just make you fall in love with her... Aspiring actresses; that's the way its done....
Yes the storyline is too simple but you cant hold that against a movie of this genre... The term 'beauty lies in simplicity' is coined for such movies, that give your mind a quality and relaxing massage... Well done and thank you Tom Hanks for such a feel-good film... -
bsholley16 June 2012I was look for a good snappy comedy, or at least, some fun romance. Neither here. Yeah, it's not awful, but who cares about any of the characters. Really, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Nia (Greek wedding), ought to be able to put together something much better. When a man loses his job, he is usually devastated. Larry was mildly sad and surprised, but immediately went to work to find something else. Also, as a clerk in a big box store, how could he ever afford that house to begin with? But where did he get the money to go to school? Things seemed too easy. Yes, I know it was a movie, and a supposed comedy, but it just didn't work. The Julia Roberts character is so uni-dimensional, so flat. If she didn't have great legs and a pretty face there would be no point for her to be the one in the movie. Yes, disappointing.
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While I was scrolling through the different titles available this weekend, I chanced upon "Larry Crowne". Looked it up on IMDb; not so good - an average of 5/10. Scroll down further and voilà! Written by Tom Hanks himself, gotta see it. And I'm glad I did.
First, let me get the 'acting' part out of the way - It's good. Not mind-blowing, but most certainly good enough to be worth the US$9 weekend price of a movie ticket here in Singapore. The actors were good enough that I felt connected, and that's as good as it ever has to be.
As for the plot - nothing jaw-droppingly complicated and twisted, but then again neither was Forest Gump. And what a big success that movie proved to be. Don't expect character development to blow you away, but it did, at the very least, impress me.
Of course, if you walk into the theater expecting "Harold & Kumar" or "Chuck & Larry" humor, you would most definitely be sorely disappointed. Some others have criticized the film, saying that it had "cheap laughs" at best. Now that isn't necessarily true, because it all depends on what your expectations are.
So hear this - Larry Crowne isn't an all-out-LOL-fest, it's a wholesome film sprinkled with subtle, clever, and thoughtful humor.
In my opinion, this film was an excellent cross-section representation of the sandwiched American Middle-class - too rich to qualify for welfare, too poor to save any money. Most people (outside the United States) wouldn't know the America shown throughout this film - where folks are priced out of their own states, where they attend community colleges that aren't crazy over keg parties and crawling with bikini-straddling blonds, where students have to juggle work and school, where they might have to choose the former over the latter too often.
Hollywood glamorizes the American lifestyle each and every chance it gets, and this film provides a rare glimpse into the real America where most people reside.
All things considered, I would consider this film a feel-good movie, and there's much more to it than meets the eye. If you enjoyed Forest Gump, you'd most likely enjoy this one - even if the feel-goodness sets in slightly more subtly.
One final thing - I've never written a review for any movie before, ever. But I felt that the reviews here (as of 9th July 11) were doing Larry Crowne such injustice that I had to write this to balance it out.
Cheers. -
This is a pleasant movie, easy going and happy. All movies don't need conflict, violence or unhappiness to be good.
As far as story line goes, the relationship between Hanks and Roberts is a little contrived and under developed but their superb acting skills somehow covers it a bit.
This is almost a family movie and should be OK for 10+.
I know there are some unhappy reviewers wanting more substance and conflict. Understandable, but the movie is very easy on the soul and flows nicely from scene to scene.
Makes a great date movie. -
Bob A-26 July 2011Comedy authority Stan Freberg said once, and I agree, that humor needs to be based in reality. Unfortunately the reality that director-screenwriter-star Tom Hanks has constructed for himself here is that convenient target of community college as a collection of uninterested losers who try the instructors' patience to the extreme that he or she, much like leading-lady prof played by Julia Roberts, is angry, cynical -- yet at the same time apathetic -- and something of a tippler. Along comes Tom Hanks as Larry Crowne who, as a newly-unemployed middle-ager among the weeds of youth, somehow (osmosis?) introduces the unique perspective that age, intelligence and life experience can bring to continuing adult education.
As Larry/Hanks struggles with his early attempts in the class, that of conversational speechmaking, we see Julia Roberts' character roll her eyes upward and refine her growing contempt as the younger folk in the class give supposedly insubstantial talks such as shopping and comparing one Star Trek series to another. Well, what should they be doing instead? In the meantime the instructor herself, as far as the audience can see, contributes nothing.
Under the circumstances these kids are making a valiant, sincere effort. Okay, the one guy had crib notes written on the palm of his hand.
By the way -- has anyone else figured this out -- there is nothing unusual about older adults, intelligent or otherwise, who return to school and find the real, practical self-enrichment they seek. This falseness of the film's primary concept is an embarrassing display of how little Hanks, et al, grasp the everyday realities which, to the movie audience, are dirt-common.
I'd forgive any of the wrong turns taken in this film if it were funny. I didn't laugh once.
Subplot that Roberts' character's own marriage is deteriorating (gee I wonder why), other than making her available to LC as a love interest, has, like so many other story elements (the motor scooter "gang," the eternal garage sale next door, waste of George Takei's good character work as poor man's John Houseman in Larry's other class -- wasn't Larry supposed to be taking three classes?) little or no integration with rest of story.
Near end of picture Julia's character says to Larry/Hanks "You're a great student" and he says "You're a great teacher." No she isn't! The first and only time she shows the remotest interest in her job is five minutes before the final exam, when she has the students do a mild aerobic exercise to loosen up.
It is, rather, the very fact that community college instructors don't make much money and don't find intellectual gold at the end of all their hard work that we know that they do care. My impression, and I'm sure many will agree, is that, if a student gives the slightest indication that he or she is trying to learn, a community college instructor will bend over backwards to give that person an education.
Tom Hanks as director is out of touch with human society to a degree unprecedented since Kubrick in Eyes Wide Shut. One can only assume he agreed to this project as part of a deal to let him do something good next.
Turner and Hooch 2?
Will Hooch even return Hanks' phone calls after this?