Larry Crowne

Larry Crowne is the perfect film to cleanse the mind of all the special effects, unbelievable characters, and forgettable plot lines that bombard the big screen during the summer.

Larry Crowne is the perfect film to cleanse the mind of all the special effects, unbelievable characters, and forgettable plot lines that bombard the big screen during the summer. Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts are golden in this light hearted, romantic comedy that reminds us that sometimes all you need is a little humor, relate-able characters, and a glimpse into the world of another human being.

Larry Crowne (Tom Hanks) thinks he is in for a typical day at the work place. When he is suddenly let go for not having a college education it puts him in a tail spin and he winds up enrolled at the local community college. Mercedes (Julia Roberts) is a depressed, unfulfilled teacher in whose public-speaking class Larry happens to land. They soon strike up a friendship that becomes a healing balm for them both. At the same time Larry goes through a metamorphosis at the hands of a young class mate named Talia (Gugu Mbatha-Raw).

This film is written by Hanks and Nia Vardalos. Most remember Nia from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. This film reminded me of that comedy in the way it allowed its characters to move and interact. It doesn't try to be something it isn't, or reinvent the genre. There are no twists and turns to mislead you or those on screen. It is simply a wonderful story that unfolds before our eyes with laugh out loud humor and characters that are endearing and as comfortable as the people next door.

The supporting cast is strong and allows Hanks and Roberts the luxury of doing what they do best without a care in the world. The film is made even more enjoyable by the performance of George Takei as an economics professor. Takei brings lots of laughs and steals every single scene he is in. Hats off too to Wilmer Valderrama and Mbatha-Raw. They round out a group of actors that create persona's that I would love to see each week on my network TV station.

Larry Crowne is rated PG-13 for brief strong language and some sexual content. Both of these elements are minimal and well timed. There is nothing crude or gratuitous about it. In this time period of films that are loud, eye popping and entirely too long it is good to find a breath of fresh air like this 99 minute comedy. A perfect date night film for the 30 and up couples as well as a girls night out. Hanks proves again that no one can hold a candle to him in the romantic, leading man role. At the same time Roberts reminds us just how perfect and captivating an actress she is. I give Larry Crowne 5 out of 5 brain buckets. I honestly could find nothing wrong with it and it was such a pleasant break from the explosions and cape wearing characters of the season.

Matt Mungle

Review copyright 2011 Mungleshow Productions. Used by Permission.