Film Review: "Crazy, Stupid, Love"

Let’s face it. I’m a big fan of Steve Carell. I have loved most of his films since his hilarious and heartfelt performance in “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.” I also enjoyed watching his portrayal of Michael Scott; the offbeat-but-endearing manager Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, Inc on the long-lasting NBC sitcom "The Office." In addition, every time I see the well-known actor grace Conan O’ Brien’s stage or return to “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” the program which introduced us to his grand comedic skills, I find myself laughing out loud. So, when I had the opportunity to view “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” Carell’s latest Hollywood venture, I could not be more excited. Unfortunately, while Julianne Moore’s acting in the film’s trailer failed to impress me, it is strongly disheartening to say that, while watching the actual film, I found myself staring at the screen with great confusion during a large part of Steve Carell’s sequences. As I was expecting a grand tour-de-force from one of my favorite performers, I was strongly saddened to see the actor give a mostly-flat performance with hardly any emotional strength. Fortunately, Screenwriter Dan Fogelman managed to present a film with multiple storylines that proved to be funny as well as earnest. In addition, we are treated to a more-than-splendid achievement by Ryan Gosling; who manages to steal the spotlight throughout the film. Combined with fine performances by Emma Stone, Analeigh Tipton, and fourteen-year-old Jonah Bobo, Steve Carell’s mediocre presentation proved to be a major disillusionment. Henceforth, I can honestly say that:

Even Though I Do Not Adore Steve Carell’s Latest Act, "Crazy, Stupid, Love" is a Good Movie

In "Crazy, Stupid, Love", Directors Glenn Ficarra and Jon Requa introduce us to Steve Carell’s Cal Weaver; who learns from his wife Emily, blandly portrayed by Julianne Moore, that she is wants a divorces and that she is sleeping with someone else; who is later revealed to be ho co-worker David Lindhagen; played casually by Kevin Bacon. Meanwhile, their thirteen-year-old son Robbie, played precociously by Jonah Bobo, is pining greatly for his seventeen-year-old babysitter Jessica; played with strong emotion by Analeigh Lipton. Unfortunately for Robbie, the young woman harbors a strong crush on Carell’s protagonist; and, upon hearing the news of the couple’s separation, her feelings for his employer grow even higher, and she develops immense resentment of Emily. Soon afterwards, Carell’s Cal Weaver starts hanging out at a local bar; at which he constantly moans about his wife’s departure; so much so, that he gains the attention of professional womanizer Jacob Palmer—played by Ryan Gosling with great enthusiasm and charm. Palmer offers to take the dejected man under his wing in an effort to help him move on with his life. This includes Gosling’s character taking him to buy a new wardrobe and teaching him how to strike up a conversation with single women; thus leading him to hook up with different ladies—including a recovering alcoholic named Kate, played gratingly by Marissa Tomeii-- who is also revealed to carry an important profession. Meanwhile, Hannah, played with wholeheartedness by Emma Stone, is an aspiring lawyer who is currently waiting for a wedding proposal from her colleague Richard, played by Josh Groban, as they have been seeing each other for a long time. Earlier on in the film, however, it turns out that Richard has different ideas; and Hannah breaks up with him on the spot. This leads her to run to Ryan Gosling’s Jacob Palmer for comfort; who actually attempted to flirt with her earlier on in the film-- and eventually, the two develop a serious relationship. Meanwhile, Jonah Bobo’s Robbie continues to pursue a relationship with Analeigh Tipton’s Jessica; while the later does whatever she can to try to gain the attention of Steve Carell’s protagonist. And, at the same time, Julianne Moore’s Emily struggles to control her feelings for Kevin Bascon's character, as she realizes that she still has feelings for her husband. And, throughout ”Crazy, Stupid, Love,” the performances by most of the side-performers completely outdo Carell’s weak acting.

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While watching him on the big screen, it is such disappointment to see Steve Carell give a recital that is completely lacking any substance and power. Remember his genuine performance as Andy; his respected protagonist in “The 40 Year Old Virgin”? Do you recall the spark of energy he possessed in many of his scenes; especially the sequence in which he was having his chest waxed? Or the scene in which his character was drastically chasing after his love interest Trish; engagingly portrayed by Catherine Keener, in an effort to win her love back? Throughout his first lead performance, Steve Carell gave a performance that was bursting with honesty and passion; thus enabling us to completely root for him. However, as you watch the actor recite his lines and stumble through his actions as Cal Weaver, his character in “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” you notice a significant difference. As I was expecting a truly emotional performance, you can imagine how disheartened I was to see the actor bring no life to his character whatsoever. During the course of the film, you notice that Carell hardly puts any emphasis on any of his assigned dialogue. There is simply no sincerity at all. And even though he gets the opportunity to bring us a few humorous lines, his flat delivery significantly lessens the effect. In addition, even after his character becomes a hit with the ladies, his desire to reunite with Julianne Moore's Emily is completely unbelievable; seeing as there is no heart or passion present in his acting. And because of this, it is difficult for us to sympathize with him; seeing as Carell seems to be putting zero effort into his excursion. Thus, there is no genuineness at all from him, and that is a serious problem.

But, while Steve Carell fails to give a memorable turn as his designated protagonist, someone had to come forward and give a performance that would have the audience cheering throughout the film. And for “Crazy, Stupid Love,” that person would have to be Ryan Gosling; whose lively personality more-than-surpassed Carell’s lethargic stint. As professional ladies-man Jacob Palmer, Gosling speaks in a fiery manner; allowing him to demonstrate his spot on comedic talents. His character’s interactions with Carell’s Cal Weaver are very funny; mostly because of his engaging performance. Moreover, Gosling’s comedic timing is impeccable; as he is always ready with the right response to one of his fellow cast members’ zingers. What’s more, when it’s time for Gosling’s character to become serious, Gosling is able to speak from the heart in a manner most convincing; allowing the audience to completely connect with him. In other words, Ryan Gosling’s complete feat as Jacob Palmer materializes as one of “Crazy, Stupid, Love”’s greatest components; and one of the year’s best performances.

Besides Ryan Gosling’s terrific portrayal of Jacob Palmer, I was also more-than-satisfied with Emma Stone’s first-class feat as Hannah. As with her wonderful achievement in “Easy A,” the actress once again provides us with a charming and realistic performance. We see her character long for a meaningful marriage proposal from Josh Groban’s Richard. And, when she does not receive what she wants, we truthfully believe her strong disappointment. Furthermore, her scenes with Ryan Gosling's Jacob Palmer are a delight to behold; as they posses great chemistry. When their characters first meet, they trade barbs in a faultless manner; and when their characters honestly fall in love, it is great to see their great acting skills match up perfectly. I only wish that Emma Stone just had a tad more screen time.

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However, while it is important to comment on the portrayals of Steve Carell's, Ryan Gosling's, and Emma Stone's characters, it is also more-than-necessary to mention the notable presentations that Jonah Bobo and Analeigh Tipton bestowed us as their respected characters Robbie and Jessica. As the Weavers’ son Robbie, Bobo demonstrates a deep yearning to be with Tipton’s Jessica; so much so that you honestly root for his character to gain her affection-- despite the obvious age difference. In addition, Bobo’s fine acting makes him appear older than he actually is; as he can ensure a mature appearance-- particularly when his character brings up the concept of “soul mates” as well as urging Steve Carell’s character to do all he can to win the love of Julianne Moore’s Emily back. In other words, Jonah Bobo proves to be the second-best male performer of the film.

In addition, Analeigh Tipton’s enthusiastic performance as the Weavers’ family babysitter Jessica is also very distinguished; seeing as the actress had to make her affections for Carell’s protagonist believable. And Tipton greatly succeeds; as she enables her character to harbor deep affection for her employer while remaining in a professional manner. When she is in the presence of Steve Carell’s Cal Weaver, you can see the young actress' on-screen persona fight back the urge to loudly confess her infatuation. And, when her character first hears about the divorce, Tipton manages to carry a strong sense of resentment towards Julianne Moore’s Emily; seeing as she is responsible for breaking the heart of her deep crush. Furthermore, the young performer permits her character to give a completely grounded performance as well; mostly when interacting with Jonah Bobo’s Robbie; considering that she enjoys babysitting—even though he continues to declare his unfathomable affection for her. Henceforth, the performances of Analeigh Tipton and Jonah Bobo prove to be very engaging and memorable throughout their respective portrayals; which, in turn, further highlight the unexpectedly lethargic stance Steve Carell brings to his designated part.

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However, while my expectations regarding Carell’s stint as protagonist Cal Weaver were unhappily not met, I was not at all surprised to see an uninspired performance by lead actress Julianne Moore. As Emily Weaver, Moore hardly displayed any honest emotion; thus bringing forward a bland and forgettable routine as the film’s central female character. This is definitely important to consider; mainly due to the heavy significance the role required. We needed to believe Emily’s disappointment and negative feelings towards Steve Carell’s Cal Weaver; and unfortunately, Moore failed to deliver. This truly did not surprise me at all; seeing as I always found the actress to lack any true acting ability or comedic timing. Maybe if a different actress was cast instead, maybe we might have been treated to a more powerful performance. And who knows? Maybe a different actress could have brought about a much better performance from Steve Carell. Nevertheless, even though the two performers turned in less-than-stellar routines, we luckily had the performances by the rest of the cast to enjoy and remember.

But, while the acting in “Crazy, Stupid, Love” is worth commenting on, it is more-than-necessary to discuss the screenplay written by Dan Fogelman. While there are many storylines that run throughout the film, the screenwriter is able to guarantee that each one is easy to follow and that the relationships the characters have with each other are fully developed. We see the story of the Weavers’ marriage fall apart and Steve Carell’s protagonist try to repair it. We observe the connection between Emma Stone’s Hannah and Ryan Gosling’s Jacob start off as a flirtatious exchange; only to become a meaningful relationship. We laugh as Jonah Bobo’s Robbie professes his love for Analeigh Tipton’s Jessica through hilariously-awkward stunts; though we do realize just how determined he is—and we wish that she would reciprocate his feelings with affection. What’s more, Tipton’s Jessica’s feelings for Carell’s Cal Weaver do enthrall us; but, at the same time, we wish that she would just help him win the heart of his wife once again. And, as we wonder how all the relationships are going to turn out, an excellently-crafted and hysterical sequence ties everything together more-than-perfectly. I do not want to spoil anything, but this sequence is perhaps, in all honesty, the best in the entire film. In fact, I have to complement Fogelman for arranging the screenplay as he did, because the payoff will leave you completely satisfied.

My only problem with the screenplay would be the development of Marissa Tomeii's character Kate. We understand that she is supposed to serve as Steve Carell's protagonist's first date after he receives the news that his wife wants a divorce. However, when her occupation is revealed, it is as if Marissa Tomeii's Kate was introduced to cause further conflict for Carell's Cal Weaver. In addition, Tomeii's entire performance is too outlandish for my taste; and I really wish that her involvement in the film was left as a mere cameo appearance. Screenwriter Dan Fogelman must have thought that her character was an absolute hoot; but I happen to think the exact opposite. In all truthfullness, the expansion of her character was a heavy stain on an otherwise unsoiled script.

Despite all these matters, my main focus concerning“Crazy, Stupid, Love” traces back to Steve Carell's below par spell as Cal Weaver. My hopes for the actor’s involvement in the film were clearly letdown; which is an even greater embarrassment—seeing as he was also one of the producers of the film. Fortunately, a number of the side-performances and most of the movie's natural flow brought a smile to my face. And hopefully, Steve Carell brings a more powerful outlook to his next major role. Otherwise, then my faith in him will be significantly weakened.

E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com