Review - Larry Crowne

Not Your Typical Summer Film

Larry Crowne (Tom Hanks) is everything at UMart. He has been awarded employee of the month eight times and thinks he is on his way to get a ninth award when the shocking news greets him. The company is letting him go because of his lack of education. They say it limits his potential in the company and thus all the rest doesn’t matter.

So Larry goes back to college and ends up in the class of a teacher that doesn’t want to be there. Mercedes Tainot (Julia Roberts) has her own problems. Life with her husband (Bryan Cranston) is loveless and more than a bit unfulfilling.

As Larry is reestablishing himself in society, Mercedes is working to find her place as well and see if she should remain married at all.

Two characters, broken and thrown together by fate, can they help each other come out of the low points in their lives?

Crowne is a look at life as we know it today, but through some slightly rose colored glasses. There is more emphasis on the humor that exists within the situations and that’s not a bad thing. The situation of losing your job is very real in society today. Because of this, many may find this ill timed as subject matter, but I’m here to say, don’t worry, it’s still centered with good content.

Larry Crowne makes you feel good, about subject matter that could normally be depressing. Coming out of the movie the likable Tom Hanks, the winning smile of Julia Roberts, and the good humor of Cedric the Entertainer stay with you for days. That in and of itself is enough of a reason to see this one, but Hanks also delivers a pleasant movie going experience.

I just wish Larry Crowne had a different title. The title does absolutely nothing for me and doesn’t help sell the film. You can’t help but cheer for Larry Crowne to succeed on every level. The film is a nice diversion to the typical summer fare for adults.

B

Larry Crowne

Universal Pictures

Director: Tom Hanks

Cast: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Cedric The Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes