Review: Larry Crowne

Cast: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Pam Grier, Cedric the Entertainer, George Takei, Bryan Cranston, Gubu Mbatha-Raw, Rami Malek

Synopsis: After being fired for not having a College degree and not being able to make the payments on his mortgage, Larry Crowne decides to take action and regain control of his life. Larry goes to College on the way meeting a gang of scooter riding kids who help him get his groove back and win the affections of his embittered lecturer.

So if you’ve seen the trailer for LARRY CROWNE your probably thinking it is the kind of film you’ll only enjoy if you receive Saga magazine or you’ve gone through ‘the change’. You could be forgiven for being a bit dismissive and deciding to avoid this double dose of saccharin sweet sentiment – however it’d be your loss as LARRY CROWNE is a radiantly enjoyable watch – as corny as hell – but funny, light-hearted and dare we say it a proper ‘feel good movie’.

Directed, Co-written and staring Hanks its no surprise to see him (once again) in the role of eternal nice guy, Larry is the kind of person who picks up other peoples litter and greets passersby with a friendly ‘hello’, Hanks plays the part with a cheery gusto that makes for a charming lead character than never drifts into the annoying.  Hanks has been on the production side of things for quite a while now and has a huge list of top quality American TV dramas and big movies to his credit – in LARRY CROWNE he expertly blends his knowledge of all sides of the movie making coin to present a simple story that is so rich in character depth and natural scripting that it is an effortless watch.

Ultimately this is a light rom-com but the romantic interest is really a sub-plot to Larry regaining control and direction of his life with a ‘how to make lemons from lemonade’ moral. Usually THN would find this kind of an affair mildly offensive – perhaps we’re  maturing in our older age? More likely its the endearing qualities Hanks has instilled in each character and situation, by keeping the story small and the action low-key the audience has time to really soak up the atmosphere of this on-screen Pleasantville – each scene contains at least one hilarious gem – whether it be an overt gag or a simple character or dialogue quirk.

Julia Roberts is great in this movie as both a pissed off teacher – tired with her job and husband and (although getting into her more senior years) is still enticingly desirable. Her relationship with Hanks steadily develops throughout the film – from non-plussed – bitter and envious that he’s rectifying his situation – to full on warm fuzzy romance that would have you cringing if it wasn’t so lovely. The subtle glances between the two really do remind you of what it’s like when you first start to fall in love with someone – sweet as hell! It’s also brilliantly funny to see her trying to hump the heck out of Hanks’ leg during their first kiss.

This is a less is more movie and never strains to tell the story using the full gamete of filmmaking tools. We are introduced to Larry during the opening credits and the plot motivation in the first 10 minutes and it maintains this pace throughout. Though simple the story is motivated by an action/consequence ethos that keeps that narrative plucky and logical without ever being divisive.  Hanks has also assembled an excellent cast and not one oversteps their mark yet all shine through as the star of their own performance; George Takei’s economics lecturer is a treat each time he appears, Rami Malek is delightful as the bleary eyed stoner and Bryan Cranston (Hal from Malcolm in the Middle) who is always a pleasure to watch, adds a subtle and convincing portrayal of the mid-life crisis husband with a dash of comic realism. We have to mention Cedric the Entertainer’s part as the fortunate wheeler-dealer neighbour ‘Lamar’ – who is SO funny whilst still being a completely realistic character.

If there is one problem with the movie it would have to be the group of scooter riding college kids and specifically Talia played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw. They are so annoyingly douche bag cool its ridiculous. They are so unrealistically wholesome and wise beyond their years – it’s like a blend of the kids from Dawson’s Creek and Saved by the Bell in a Gap ad. It feels a little like Tom Hanks’ ideal of how College kids are nowadays and totally over-looked the reality that (generally) they are lazy, stoner, alcoholic party animals extending their childhood by a few more years. Silly and annoying and the movies only real iffy bit.

If you hadn’t guessed from all this gushing praise THN really enjoyed LARRY CROWNE – yes its sappy, yes its overly sentimental but almost everything is done right and it works. By no means is this a ground-breaking movie and is perhaps just a way to while away an hour and a half and leave with a warm fuzzy feeling. Great date movie, maybe best for the 25s and up –  don’t go see it if you’re a cynical ass-hole (because you’ll only find in cheesy).

LARRY CROWNE is a gargantuan bowl of cornball soup – but you’ll be wanting seconds. Mr Hanks we tip our bonnet to you – thanks!

:From The Bollywood News