Too much of everything

Best movie of this year hands down!

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Tom Hanks is Hollywood's nice guy, so he imitates his own personable qualities into the titular character. Which raises the fundamental question: Is he actually acting? Fortunately his talents are utilised offscreen also as he co-writes and directs this romantic comedy. Crowne has recently lost his job due to downsizing, with limited qualifications he returns to college to obtain a higher education whilst simultaneously reinventing himself. It's a feel good Sunday afternoon flick, nothing more. Reminiscent of 80s Hanks comedies such as 'Big', his dorky personality is presented through expressive behaviour. Y'know...shirt tucked in, running late to class and making a big deal out of it, clumsy...just a typical buffoon that Hanks was known for playing. A sweet romance blossoms between Hanks and Roberts who immediately establish easy onscreen chemistry. You buy into these characters with a gleeful smile on your face. The narrative was paced impeccably considering the basic plot, didn't look at my watch once! Hanks' directing style was functional, nothing grandiose or spectacular but he gets the job done without incurring any noticeable issues. It's just a shame that the whole film felt bland, lazy and uninspired. You can look at the front cover and predict exactly what happens, it is that basic. The script attempts to inject humour but comes across as cringe worthy, kind of like a joke your grandma would say. "Oh Luke, I once baked a batch of cookies with arsenic instead of milk...I'm such a silly lamb!". Not to mention the forced reinvention of his character. We get it, he is a middle aged man conforming to teenage styles and trends, it wasn't funny the first time it certainly isn't humorous for a whole film. If this was released two decades ago then I suspect it would've been decent. however, much like Crowne himself, it just can't keep up with current trends. A nice unmemorable bland watch that should've been electrifying given the talent on and off screen. I still to this day cannot grasp the concept of Feng Shui...

Broke and down in spirits after being fired from his retail job of many years, a former navy cook reluctantly enrolls in community college to better himself in this comedy/drama blend written, directed by and starring Tom Hanks. The title character's dilemma is heartfelt after he is let go from his job due to his lack of higher education (as opposed to any misdeed) and much of the film works due to its lead performance. The story is certainly no great shakes with very little in terms of plot complications or adversities. Having bought a motorcycle to ride to college, Hanks fits in with the 'in crowd' with incredible ease; he also manages to very easily become the top student in both his classes whilst enjoying a very active social life with all his younger classmates who are eager to be his friend. If this sounds like it rings false, that is nothing compared to a predictable, convenient love interest that develops with one of his teachers. Played Julia Roberts, she offers a fairly one-note sour, sullen and moody performance. The rest of the supporting cast here are, however, in very good form, with Golden Globe nominated Rami Malek excellent as one of Crowne's lazier classmates, plus fine turns from Bryan Cranston, Pam Grier, Cedric the Entertainer and especially George Takei - with the film even including some amusing 'Star Trek' references. In fact, 'Larry Crowne' is a fairly funny film at the best of times with lots of amusing moments in both college classes. The story might well feel like wishful thinking overdone, but it engages adequately enough.

I adore this movie. While the Hanks' character is lovable (as many of his characters are ) there are plenty of interesting, vibrant characters in the mix. From the eccentric neighbor who runs a full time yard sale in his front yard-- to the free loving scooter chick that embraces Larry and shows him beautifully simple options to his current lifestyle. I think this movie shows how when life throws some unexpected horrible turns at you, what matters is how you handle the changes. Larry did not fight change, he opened himself up to change as a good thing and rolled with it. He did not fight for his job, he did not fight for his home. In the end, HE was better....HIS LIFE was better.

Larry Crowne (2011): Dir: Tom Hanks / Cast: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Cedric the Entertainer, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, George Takei: Here is a film with a strong message about the underdog that doesn't quite measure up. It begins with promise where Crowne is downsized from his job. From there he figures that he needs education so he heads to college where he falls in love with his married teacher. This is where the film grinds to a halt. Hanks directed That Thing You Do fifteen years ago and it was a decent effort. Here again he applies his craft to a less successful screenplay. Hanks fares well as the underdog who must pull himself out of his situation. He appears to be a good worker with gentleman qualities who can even influence a local gang. Julia Roberts as his teacher makes a great effort in what amounts to your standard romantic tease. She kicks her husband out when she becomes fed up with his porn surfing but this relationship is handled as a very bad comic after thought. Once she is free then she and Crowne get it on outside her apartment and it is boring as hell. Gugu Mbatha-Raw has a wasted role as a young female who introduces Crowne to her biker friends. Cedric the Entertainer plays his neighbor whose job appears to be to have a constant running yard sale. George Takei is terrific as a teacher whose stern views of cell phones in class becomes apparent when Hanks crosses the line more than once. There is a message here regarding overcoming the odds and succeeding but this film succeeds at nothing other than to take two bankable actors and place them within a tired charade. Score: 4 ½ / 10