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.

Movie Review: The Vow

The feelings of lossing someone you dearly love is one of the hardest emotions to overcome.  Imagine what the emotional impact would be if your love one lost their memory and forgot about you. I can't even begin to understand how that must feel emotionally and that is the main topic of the movie 'The Vow'.

Based on a true story, it's about two couples who fall in love that express their vows upon marriage. One evening of fun turns in to tragedy that leads into a car acccident that causes severe head trauma to the wife 'Paige' played by Rachel McAdams. After the wife recovers, the husband 'Leo' played by Channing Tatum finds out his wife has no memory of the life they shared including who he is. She can only recall memories at a certain point in her life before they met. And with Paiges parents invovled in her recovery, it brings more tensions for Leo and Paige, leading to heart breaks, teary eyed and frustrating moments, unfolding to an outcome that was lost forever.

The match up with Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum was superb. I felt their onscreen presence showed a strong connection and drew out both their talents well. I admit this movie was a tear jerker. And yes this movie made me cry for there are scenes so emotional that it brought feelings I struggled with when I lost my love one.

Overall, this movie was a sad story and to have it be based on a true story made me wish for a happy ending. However, no matter how the movie ended, I personally don't know what would be more emotional, to have someone you love alive with no memories or to have someone no longer around in life.

I give 'The Vow' an Imp Score of 3 out of 4 smiles. Great entertainment worth watching!