Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love.

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Steve Carell learns as Ryan Gosling woos in Crazy, Stupid, Love

As much as I hate the term "chick flick," it has come to define a certain type of film I tend to guiltily enjoy watching -- a movie where women play a large role and a romance is likely to be in the works. That being said, although Crazy, Stupid, Love. is all about romance (budding, broken, and unrequited), this ain't no chick flick. It doesn't really count as a "bromance" either, but it does focus on men and how they relate to each other and the women in this film. Let's just call it a genre-defying romantic comedy, if that makes any sense.

There are multiple characters and relationships depicted in Crazy, Stupid, Love. The main interaction is between accountant Cal (Steve Carell), who finds out in the opening scene that his wife wants a divorce, and hunky younger womanizer Jacob (Ryan Gosling). Cal is broken-hearted after separating from his high-school sweetheart Emily (Julianne Moore); Jacob pities him and takes him under his wing. Carell and Gosling are terrific in their scenes together.

Two side plotlines involve Cal and Emily's 13-year-old son Robbie (Jonah Bobo), who adores his 17-year-old babysitter Jessica (Analeigh Tipton), and law school student Hannah (Emma Stone), who turns down Jacob's advances because she already has a dorky lawyer boyfriend (Josh Groban). I was mighty surprised to see Groban in this film, but he plays an unappreciative boyfriend rather well. Stone is wonderful as ever, but young teen Bobo almost steals the film. His Robbie is self-assured yet awkward, and has some of the best lines in Crazy, Stupid, Love.

On that note, the writing in this movie is crisp and witty. Dan Fogelman's script is silly and frank, honest without being bitingly harsh. More than a couple of scenes in the film inspired loud belly laughs from the audience. Somehow the film is able to include uncomfortable situations without making the viewer feel uncomfortable or any character come off as too pitiful.

The music is another of my favorite aspects of Crazy, Stupid, Love. The songs cover various genres, but are mainly indie-friendly. At one point, the burly man next to me was singing along with "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" (used in a seduction scene, if you can believe it). Later on, my friend softly sang along with the Say Hi track used in another scene. If anything best shows the comfort level of the audience members at our screening, it's probably that.

There are two factors that make Crazy, Stupid, Love. slightly less spectacular than it might have been. Firstly, the ladies in the movie only talk about men. Even law school discussion amongst female friends revolves around a possible upcoming proposal from a guy. This film won't pass the Bechdel test. Secondly, a crowd scene towards the end of the movie is so cliche-filled that I expected someone in the onscreen audience to start a slow-clap. Thankfully, the movie chose not to go that far. Crazy, Stupid, Love. is hilarious throughout and despite these complaints, definitely worth seeing in the theatre. This film may even be one that merits multiple viewings.

soundtrack

Crazy, Stupid, Love was a solid movie, even if it didn’t really offer anything new to the genre I still enjoyed it. I loved the music though! One of my favorite soundtracks since Garden State…I do wonder though, how do they determine what songs make the official soundtrack?

For example, the movie had two of my all-time favorite songs in it, but only one made it to the soundtrack. The first one, “Almanac” by The Acorn is on the soundtrack and it played in Weaver’s SUV when Cal’s struggle to understand stops Jessica’s attempt to let him know how she feels. Love that song….

The other one, “Loops” by Junip was the song playing when Robbie declares his love for all to see but Jessica tells him there’s someone else…and it didn’t make the cut. How does this get decided? I’d get the soundtrack for sure if they had “Loops” on it (probably still will buy it but ugh it would be better with Loops).

A question about a song in the movie

Hi, do you know the song that Jacob plays for Hannah at his house? I would appreciate it if you could let me know.

I Can't Hear You by The

I Can't Hear You by The Dead Weather

question about the bed sheet for Jacob's bed

the bed set up looks really nice, does anyone knows what kind / brand of sheets was that?

What is the title of the song

What is the title of the song that played during the entry scene (restaurant)? Something with "just a little.." slow song.. Can't find it anywhere, would appreciate some help.

Save Room- John Legend

Save Room- John Legend