Say what you will, I have no problem admitting that I enjoy romantic comedies; unfortunately, there haven’t been too many quality entries in this genre in recent memory. When I first saw the trailer for Crazy, Stupid, Love., I wasn’t immediately sold over the plot device of a recently-divorced couple, but the star-studded cast was more than enough to hold my attention. Steve Carell is immensely entertaining to watch whether he’s playing an oblivious buffoon or an amiable loser, Kevin Bacon has been a legendary presence in Hollywood for decades, and Ryan Gosling has been making female moviegoers swoon ever since he poured his heart out in 2004’s The Notebook. Still, I was most excited for the leading ladies…not only are Julianne Moore and Marisa Tomei two of the most talented actresses in Hollywood, but I would also marry Emma Stone tomorrow if presented with the opportunity. Early critical praise was through the roof for Crazy, Stupid, Love., so I was curious to see what kind of story could charm critics in a movie season traditionally filled with fantasy and special effects.
I expected Crazy, Stupid, Love. to be good, but I didn’t expect it to be absolutely fantastic, telling an earnest story that slowly transformed into one of the best films I’ve seen in recent memory. Seamlessly interweaving three distinct and relatable plotlines together with a thoroughly engaging cast, Crazy, Stupid, Love. mesmerizes audiences by playing on mature themes with an unmistakable earnestness. You will love the entire cast, but the standout performance is Ryan Gosling as a suave ladies-man, humorously imparting his experiential wisdom concerning the fairer sex. Some of the characters are disappointingly underused and there are moments when the story begins to drag, but this romantic comedy imparts a smart reality that audiences will not soon forget. Heartfelt and endlessly enjoyable, Crazy, Stupid, Love. stands out in this summer movie season as a fantastic example of genuine story-telling that should not be missed.
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Overall Recommendation: Very High
