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Arts & Entertainment

Greenbelters Review 'Crazy, Stupid, Love'

"This not your typical romantic comedy. Guys don't be afraid to watch this movie or take your significant other to earn brownie points," Mark Stenson says.

Though it's only playing at the for a blink, it's a must see according to Mark Stenson, who says, "There’s nothing crazy or stupid about the film 'Crazy, Stupid, Love.' It’s one of the smartest, funniest romantic comedies I have seen in recent memory."

With four pops being the best rating a movie can grab, find out how popcorn-worthy your neighbors deem this week's show.

 

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MARK STENSON

Three pops: ☼☼☼

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Crazy, Stupid, Love" is a very good movie, bordering on excellent. It separates itself from most romantic comedies by not treating the audience like idiots and through its witty humor... this is a must see rom-com.

See Mark's full review below.

 

SHEILA MAFFAY-TUTHILL
Two and 1/2 Pops: ☼☼ + 1/2

"Crazy, Stupid, Love" is a likable film and goes down easily like the smooth Hollywood concoction that it is. A list of gifted actors in this one makes all the difference."

See Sheila's full review below.

 

MARK STENSON REVIEW

There’s nothing crazy or stupid about the film “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” It’s one of the smartest, funniest romantic comedies I have seen in recent memory. The film follows Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) whose life unravels when his cheating wife, Emily (Julianne Moore), wants a divorce, and he struggles to keep a relationship with his kids.

To cope with the separation, Cal heads to a bar to drink his pain away. Once there, he meets master womanizer, Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), who offers to transform Cal from a New Balance, mom-butt-jeans wearing man to a cool guy with his life together. Cal accepts the offer, eager to earn back Emily’s confidence and respect.

Don’t let the movie poster, packed with cast members' photos and names, take from your opinion of the movie. There’s a good reason for plastering them across the poster – the cast is brilliant and makes the movie. Steve Carell may be the headliner, but superb in every way, the attractive Ryan Gosling is simply the best actor in the film. He delivers one-liners and dramatic lines with such refinement, proving he can excel in comedy and drama.

Gosling’s performance in no way takes away from Steve Carell’s top-notch acting. Julianne Moore, Marisa Tomei and Emma Stone all weigh in with great performances as well. Most impressive is Jonah Bobo, who doesn’t let his age stand in the way of him hanging with the best of them.

The flick is not without flaws, the theme of the film is seemingly ridiculous, making claims to everyone having a soul mate – if not cliché as well. Sometimes there are just too many things going on at once, which takes away from the core storyline.

"Crazy, Stupid, Love" is very good, bordering on excellent. It separates itself from most romantic comedies by not treating the audience like idiots and through its witty humor.

This not your typical romantic comedy. Guys don’t be afraid to watch this movie or take your significant other to earn brownie points. The film has a great cast, story and characters. It is extremely funny and surprisingly touching. Though it has flawed moments, this is a must see rom-com.

 

SHEILA MAFFAY-TUTHILL REVIEW

"Crazy, Stupid, Love" is a likable film and goes down easily like the smooth Hollywood concoction that it is. A list of gifted actors in this one makes all the difference. But stealing the show is teenager Jonah Bobo as the precocious and cherub-faced kid in love with his baby-sitter.

Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone all play their roles with charm. Kevin Bacon adds a smarmy element and Marisa Tomei adds a crazy one. There are surprises that I didn't see coming, and this film has a satisfying ending too. Definitely worth checking out, if not just for a light change of pace from some of the heavier fare we have seen lately!

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