Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Directors: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, Warner Bros, M 117 Minutes.
Renowned comedian Steve Carell (‘Evan Almighty’) has once again proven what a great comedic actor he is with his performance in this drama-laden romantic comedy directed jointly by Glen Ficarra and John Requa (‘Focus’).
As revealed in the opening scenes the long-time marriage between the Weavers, Cal (Carell) and Emily (Julianne Moore – ‘Still Alice’), appears to be on the rocks when Emily confesses to having an affair with David (Kevin Bacon – ‘RIPD’) and then demands a divorce.
This sudden disruption in the Weaver’s family situation dramatically sets the storyline for the start of a comical love triangle with the shell-shocked Cal breaking the news to his children particularly his teenage son Robbie (‘Disconnect’s Jonah Bobo).
Besides the obvious repercussions Robbie has taken a fancy for the family’s baby sitter Jessica (Analeigh Tipton – ‘Warm Bodies’) unaware that Jessica herself has a secret crush on Robbie’s father Cal.
While drowning his sorrows in a local bar where he openly vents his wife’s betrayal to everyone Cal comes to the immediate attention of Jacob (Ryan Gosling – ‘Blue Valentine’) a professional ‘womaniser’ who takes him under his wing.
Initially Jacob makes him undertake a makeover of his appearance before coaching him on how to pick-up women in bars which leads to a number of hilarious situations including having an affair with his son’s teacher.
This only comes to light during a parent-teacher session that both Cal and Emily attend after some further madcap mishaps which compels Cal to be even more determined to get Emily back.
To make matters worse Jacob falls romantically in love with Hannah (Emma Stone – ‘La La Land’) a young lawyer having invited Jacob home to meet her parents-none other than the Weavers, causing some sparks to really fly.
In a last ditch effort to win Emily back Cal together with his children recreate a mini golf course in his backyard to remind her of their first romantic date.
Ficarra and Requa have made both a crazy and funny movie about a marriage breakdown resulting in a series of intermingled relationships due to ‘Tangled’ writer Dan Fogelman’s clever script and a wonderful cast that includes Moore and Stone.
Even though the movie has flaws it is an entertaining romantic comedy with Carell making the most of his comedic character and complemented by Gosling’s portrayal as a womaniser.
Crazy Stupid Love is being televised on Channel 7flix on Saturday 15 August at 7.00PM
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
