Crazy, Stupid, Love Review!

Crazy Stupid Love

I usually don’t watch romantic life style movies frequently, but since I am a big fan of Steve Carell, I was curious to see how he would perform in a serious role in a life story about a husband and wife getting divorced in the movie ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’.

The story is about Cal Weaver played by Steve Carell and his wife Emily Weaver played by Julianne Moore, who one night tells Cal ‘I want a divorce’. Cal reacts by not responding, except with silence. Later on he starts to hang out at a local bar, and begins to express his true feelings about the divorce to all, but no one cares, except Jacob Palmer played by Ryan Gosling, who is a local playboy. Jacob propositions Cal to get him out of his depressed state by teaching Cal how to be like him. Reluctant, Cal accepts, and Jacob begins to educate Cal on being a playboy. Over time Cal becomes Jacob, but Jacob falls in love with Hanna played by Emma Stone, making Jacob confused on how to deal with this new experience. This leads to an unexpected love triangle that impacts Cal’s family, Jacob and a realization Cal still loves his wife even after what she did.

For a life story, they brought together a great cast, delivering excellent performances across the board. There was a lot of emotional topics the movie touched on, from teenage crushes, to loving the right guy, and how a family copes with changes that are tied to a divorce. Without the talented cast, I don’t feel the movie could have expanded into other topics while keeping focus on the main subject of divorce.

Steve Carell did a good job playing a serious character, while still being likeable and funny. Julianne Moore performed admirably, and had a good onscreen chemistry with Carell. Ryan Gosling had no problems delivering a very confident playboy, presenting a buddy/mentor relationship with Carell. Emma Stone presented a serious, but adorable and likeable character that matched up well with Gosling’s character.

If I had something to complain about the movie, it would be spending too much time on other topics like teenage crushes. It just felt like this was a filler story designed to take a break from the main topic of divorce. If that was the goal then I can accept it for it was. It didn’t hurt the story; I just felt it was awkward timing.

Overall, the talented cast made this movie what is, an enjoyable and entertaining life story. After seeing this movie I have no more doubts on whither Steve Carell can play a serious character. He performed well enough, while keeping his likeable and comedic side that I enjoy.