Review: It's Easy To Fall For 'Crazy Stupid Love'

By Michael Lopez

Love, in and of itself, is a very broad concept. It can represent a schoolyard crush, a late night fling, or the ups and downs of a 30-year marriage. The new film Crazy Stupid Love attempts to tackle each of those particular scenarios with overflowing story lines and an eclectic multi-generational cast. Interestingly, the formula works, making for a well-rounded story that definitely tugs on the heartstrings.

It would probably be best to classify this film as a straightforward "dramedy." Though the trailers would make you think this is a hilarious romp with The Office’s Steve Carell and Easy A’s Emma Stone, that's not exactly the case. Sure there are plenty of funny scenes, but mixed in between there are tearful moments that anyone who's been in a long-term relationship can identify with.

The plot follows the life of Cal Weaver (Carell), a straight-laced "nice guy" who becomes blindsided when his wife Emily (Julianne Moore) asks for a divorce. To make matters worse, he soon discovers that she's been having an affair with her coworker, devastating him and the couples' children.

Cal and Emily had been high school sweethearts and, as she explains, somewhere along the line their passion seemed to fade. Now newly single, Cal ventures out to the hip L.A. bars, hoping to drink his sorrows away. There he meets Jacob (Ryan Gosling), a self-professed "playa" who offers to help the hapless ladies' man with some modern-day pick up tips.

Elsewhere, the story shifts into a few more subplots. One following Cal's son and his babysitter crush and the other following a young law student named Hannah (Stone), who's desperately searching for Mr. Right.

Now without giving anything away, let's just say that all of the stories wind up intertwining before the movie ends. But to their credit, the filmmakers have found some very interesting ways to bring everyone together (particularly with the outrageous final scene). And when it's all over, it will be hard not to fall for Crazy Stupid Love.

Bottom line: We love it when actors show range and break out of their traditional "cookie cutter" roles. Here, Steve Carell and Emma Stone really get to flex some dramatic chops, while Ryan Gosling proves he's quite the comedian. It all works out for the best, especially because the story feels so uplifting and original. We highly recommend making a date with Crazy Stupid Love, but just remember to keep a few tissues on standby.

Are you planning on watching Crazy Stupid Love? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Crazy Stupid Love, Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell