Larry Crowne (2011)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  5 / 10

  Larry Crowne unfortunately isn't a crowning glory. Tom Hanks is Hollywood's nice guy, so he imitates his own personable qualities into the titular character. Which raises the fundamental question: Is he actually acting? Fortunately his talents are utilised offscreen also as he co-writes and directs this romantic comedy. Crowne has recently lost his job due to downsizing, with limited qualifications he returns to college to obtain a higher education whilst simultaneously reinventing himself. It's a feel good Sunday afternoon flick, nothing more. Reminiscent of 80s Hanks comedies such as 'Big', his dorky personality is presented through expressive behaviour. Y'know...shirt tucked in, running late to class and making a big deal out of it, clumsy...just a typical buffoon that Hanks was known for playing. A sweet romance blossoms between Hanks and Roberts who immediately establish easy onscreen chemistry. You buy into these characters with a gleeful smile on your face. The narrative was paced impeccably considering the basic plot, didn't look at my watch once! Hanks' directing style was functional, nothing grandiose or spectacular but he gets the job done without incurring any noticeable issues. It's just a shame that the whole film felt bland, lazy and uninspired. You can look at the front cover and predict exactly what happens, it is that basic. The script attempts to inject humour but comes across as cringe worthy, kind of like a joke your grandma would say. "Oh Luke, I once baked a batch of cookies with arsenic instead of milk...I'm such a silly lamb!". Not to mention the forced reinvention of his character. We get it, he is a middle aged man conforming to teenage styles and trends, it wasn't funny the first time it certainly isn't humorous for a whole film. If this was released two decades ago then I suspect it would've been decent. however, much like Crowne himself, it just can't keep up with current trends. A nice unmemorable bland watch that should've been electrifying given the talent on and off screen. I still to this day cannot grasp the concept of Feng Shui...

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