Larry Crowne (Tom Hanks) is a middle-aged guy working at a sales job he really likes. But when he gets fired due to his lack of university education, he is quite upset. And when his attempts at landing a job fail, he decides to go to the community college, with some inspriation from his negotiation-loving neighbor (Cedric The Entertainer).
The dean at school encourages Larry to take Enonomics, a speech & communications class along with one other.So along with nutty teachers, moped gang member classmates, exams and struggle to survive financially, Larry takes us on a very sweet, but incredibly familiar and somewhat ordinary journey.
And of course no Hollywood journey would be complete without some romance at stake. So Larry falls for his communications teacher Mercedes (Julia Roberts), who is not exactly happy with her blogger husband who spends his days at porn sites rather than write things that would bring home money…
**
I believe sweet, ordinary and familiar are the perfect three words to describe this Tom Hanks film, where he directed and also co-wrote the screenplay. Larry Crowne flows like a day out with your good friends where you hang out at your favorite coffee shop or bar. It is not very eventful, there are no surprises and there’s no adrenalin rush. It is sweet, and Tom Hanks is his usual likable romantic comedy self. But that’s about it.
Rated 5.9 on IMDB.
Fun notes:
– That 70’s show’s Fez, Wilmer Valderrama, has a fun part as the jealous boyfriend of Larry’s newly found friend.
– Tom Hanks’ wife Rita Wilson has a small role as the bank official.
– Breaking Bad’s chemistry genius Bryan Cranston plays Julia Roberts’ loser husband.
– Cougar Town’s Andy Ian Gomez plays Larry’s friend.
– Larry Crowne was co-written by My Big Fat Greek Wedding’s writer and leading actress Nia Vardalos.
Also on Tom Hanks:
You’ve Got Mail starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks
Also on Julia Roberts:
Valentine’s Day starring Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Alba & more
Duplicity starring Clive Owen and Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts Trivia: 15 Facts About Julia Roberts Movies and Her Private Life
Something to Talk About starring Dennis Quaid, Julia Roberts, Kyra Sedgwick and Robert Duvall
Tall Actresses: Julia Roberts, Bridget Moynahan, Natascha McElhone, Liv Tyler and Charlize Theron
Pretty Woman: Movie Review of the Unrealistic Yet Adorable Romantic Comedy