Crazy Stupid Love (2011)
Sexual references and infrequent coarse language
| Directors: | Glenn Ficarra, John Requa |
| Actors: | Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei, Kevin Bacon, Analeigh Tipton, Jonah Bobo |
Fortysomething Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) thinks his marriage is perfect, until his wife Emily (Julianne Moore) asks for a divorce. Now Cal is single and looking for love with the help of expert lady-killer Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), who gives Cals manhood a remarkable makeover. Amid inappropriate crushes and romantic encounters, Cal and Jacob discover that being a player without the right partner isnt just crazy and stupid, its impossible!
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 118mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
by Simon Miraudo, 30/09/2011 8:47:00 AM
Crazy Stupid Love (or, in its official and confusingly punctuated form: Crazy, Stupid, Love.) often feels like the American version of Love Actually (or should that be Love, Actually; this is frustrating). That is perhaps an unfair dig at Crazy Stupid Love, and too much of a compliment for Love Actually. CSL is a breezy and easy-to-swallow ensemble piece about hopeless romantics and sexual predators, and the terrifying/heartwarming similarities they share. Only minimally cloying (unlike the aforementioned Richard Curtis film, which is maximally cloying), it’s buoyed by radiant and charming performances. Steve Carell stars as Cal Weaver, a schlubby family man whose wife/high school sweetheart Emily (Julianne Moore) reveals that she’s slept with a co-worker (Kevin Bacon) and now wants a div...
Crazy Stupid Love (or, in its official and confusingly punctuated form: Crazy, Stupid, Love.) often feels like the American version of Love Actually (or should that be Love, Actually; this is frustrating). That is perhaps an unfair dig at Crazy Stupid Love, and too much of a compliment for Love Actually. CSL is a breezy and easy-to-swallow ensemble piece about hopeless romantics and sexual predators, and the terrifying/heartwarming similarities they share. Only minimally cloying (unlike the aforementioned Richard Curtis film, which is maximally cloying), it’s buoyed by radiant and charming performances.
Steve Carell stars as Cal Weaver, a schlubby family man whose wife/high school sweetheart Emily (Julianne Moore) reveals that she’s slept with a co-worker (Kevin Bacon) and now wants a divorce. Cal willingly leaves Emily and their kids the house, moves into a depressing apartment, and begins to frequent a hip bar where he can drown his sorrows amongst sexy youngsters almost twenty years his junior. There he meets wildcat lady-killer Jacob (Ryan Gosling), who takes Cal under his wing and ‘Pretty Woman’s’ the loser out of him, in order to get him back into the dating game. Things get complicated when Jacob meets (and falls) for the only woman to ever rebuff his advances, spiky law student Hannah (Emma Stone). There is also Cal and Emily’s son Robbie (Jonah Bobo), who is in love with his babysitter (Analeigh Tipton), who is in love with Cal. Also, Josh Groban plays Hannah’s slimy boyfriend. Like I said: things get complicated.
Dan Fogelman’s screenplay too often embraces tired clichés (the ultra-wise and lesson-sharing 13-year-old, big speeches, the farcical finale), and certainly drags in parts (whenever the electric Gosling and Stone are off screen, the film seriously suffers), but directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa make it all a fairly painless and even bubbly exercise. It’s almost as sweet and funny as their previous flick, I Love You Phillip Morris, although it’s missing that picture’s unique nuttiness. Had they been able to shed the narrative deadweight, Crazy Stupid Love could have been an affecting and genre-elevating adult drama. Instead, it has to settle for being a passable rom-com (albeit one with wonderful performances and genuine chemistry).
3/5
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Member Reviews (106)
106 Member
Reviews
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Loved this movie very funny
says
I adore this movie!! I have always loved Steve Carell for his odd sense of humor, and Ryan Gosling, well, it's Ryan Gosling. Enough said! All round great movie, lots of laughs
Autumn Sadie
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Pleasantly surprised with this film. Great storyline, with an unexpected twist which really got me - oh my goodness i was so into the film i didn't see it coming! I think that means it's got a brilliant "pull", grabbing your attention and getting you interested in the characters. The acting was good, with nice on-screen performances by Carell and Gosling (wonderful dynamic there), but also by the kids - well done! 'Crazy Stupid Love' meshed many opposite thoughts and ideas- similar to the feelings of love itself. A fun watch- 4 stars.
says
The movie would have been great without the scenes trying to show Jacob and Hannah "falling in love". All the chemistry was between the other characters - this was an unconvincing add on the movie didnt need and that kind of tripped it up. (After The Kiss the director should have showed that they were falling in love by skipping the whole silly 'Dirty Dance/Massage Chair' and excruciatingly cliched 'first time vulnerable conversation' thing to just pan to them having breakfast and then some fun and then hanging out - all from a distance with just body language and non of that lame try-hard script). The rest of the movie rates a 5/5.
Lissa
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Actually surprisingly good. Ryan Gosling wouldn't be in a dud! Classy cast who all had good dialogue and scenes with a few surprises thrown around. The son was particularly good. The scene in the backyard when everyone comes together actually made me laugh out loud.
Darren
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What a great movie , Great story . just love ryan gossling and steve caril in the movie . Yes love is crazy , but in in the end all a happy ending ,
Oriel
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This movies was a little "over the top" for us.
John
says
I enjoyed this, I thought it was fun and funny allround. ONly the preachy, 'tell the world' school speech at the end I found too sentimental, but thats the only criticism.
hb_douglas
says
Good romantic comedy seems hard to come by lately and this one hits the spot.
Aaron Ramon Ki Re
says
Not your typical rom-com, it has an unusual ending and the cast does a pretty good job with the material. Worth a watch at least once.
Fletch
says
Ridiculous but fun if you can tolerate the cheesy American flavour
Belinda
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When it got to the speech night, I became acutely annoyed...what a load of rubbish -schmaltzy......unbelievable. Wrecked the whole film. In my opinion, Steve Carrell is overrated. Julianne Moore is wasted on this film. Couldn't recommend.
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looks good
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Loved this. Had some good laughs
Geoff@gol
says
Just an average Rom / Com, slow to start, twist at the end. Some funny moments reasonable night's entertainment
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There's a clue here: The word 'stupid' is in the title.
Ron
says
This is the least funniest I've ever seen Steve Carrell. "Date Night" was funny, this is just painful, & I absolutely hated the first three quarters of it. The characters lives seemed to turn around in the end & they all lived happily ever after. I think there was supposed to be a message there about love, forgiveness & how people can change for the better, but it had already lost me by then.
D.M.
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I found that this movie had its slow times for a comedy with some big-name actors, but I discovered that I began to quite enjoy it towards the last half of the film (liked the twist at the end!) I had been expecting something funnier from a Steve Carell film, but there were other things about it that made watching it a feel-good one. Not a bad way to spend the almost two hours of movie time.
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Loved Steve C in this. What a crack up movie.
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Funny, good feel movie. Loved it!
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I would never ever have chosen this absolutely poor form chick flick romantic film. How it got on my list I have no idea.
Bruce
says
Embarrassingly bad. Switched off after 30 minutes.
says
Good movie, wife and I both enjoyed.
says
This is the typical American family soapy with some twists and turns. Very average
Cheryl
says
It got interesting when the storylines started to intersect.
tinakori
says
Surprisingly good film. Enjoyed it. Light entertainment for all people.
Matthew B.
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Good fun. Sexy. Great talent.
Liz
says
This was a suprisingly good film, with performances and story line engaging and believable. I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
Jeanette
says
What a great movie! So much fun and laughs, and a few tears too. Ryan Gosling is so hot in this, he is distracting, but still good to watch with hubby!
Shep
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Steve Carrell suprised the hell out of me in this. I really like this movie. I think I enjoyed it more than expected to. I certainly was surprised how good SC was at the romantic drama. I thought it was funny, sexy and sometimes a little bit heartbreaking.
juliekym
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Just and ok movie. If you are in to feel good movies which I am not you probably will enjoy this one.
Lyn
says
Enjoyable with a couple of very funny set pieces. Went on a little too long.
Sandy
says
Good laugh
RDC
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Finally, a movie where Ryan Gosling gets to be a suave good looking man! The cast is great, the climax of the story is excellent. A must-see!
Kelly
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Loved! I don't normally like Steve Carrell (spelling?), but I really enjoyed this movie, especially Emma Stone.
Emily
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Liked this movie. Love all the actors and thought it was pretty funny! Gosling is a stud too :)
collette
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liked this movie,even my husband liked this one.
stanarosa
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Did not really enjoy this movie. Crude humour seems to be the order of the day.
K
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great movie - Better then I thought it was going to be
Phil
says
Basically a good movie with nice funny situations obviously caused by Carell. When he is not on screen, it feels empty and it drags quite a lot at some points. Not the best from Carell nor from Gosling.
Mel
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Loved it! Great cast and very funny, would watch again and again.
Liz
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The movie as a whole never really lifted off for me. It started promisingly but didn't deliver. The 3 stars is for Emma Stone. She is worth watching this movie for. Steve Carrell is usually so reliable but he drops the ball in this one. Date Night is a far better showcase of his talents.
AB
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I thought this was a lovely movie, heartfelt and funny moments and I could relate to the storyline.
Jenta
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Pretty good. Liked the story.
TG
says
Far more substantial and sophisticated than the disposable wacky comedy I was expecting. Thoroughly enjoyable and engaging, although it never really transcends close comparison to two other midlife crisis films it is heavily influenced by - Fight Club and American Beauty.
Janine
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I didn't expect to enjoy this movie, I thought it would be corny slapstick but instead it was great fun and very entertaining. Steve Carrell and Ryan G were both wonderful - I just can't understand why Julianne Moore was in it. Surely there would have been other choices for her part. Ignore her if you can and just enjoy the rest.
Kim
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Great movie. Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and Steve Carrell were all fantastic. Emma Stone is a stand out though, although it's hard to go past Ryan Gosling for gorgeousness.
Otto
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Hmmm. Light entertainment indeed.
William C
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Good light entertainemnt with a couple of twists
Faye
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Great to see Steve Corell in a serious role for a change and Julianne Moore is good as always although her character is similar to the one in "Chloe". Interesting storyline about love and working through difficult patches in a relationship. Touched me the same way that "Love Actually" did - 3.5 out of 5.
Jenny
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Enjoyed this movie. Good light entertainment. Lots of laughs.
Purplesue
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Really enjoyed this movie, a lot better then I expected. Great cast, great to see Julianne Moore again. Very funny, with shades of Hitch running thru it as well. A good Saturday arvo flick.
Anita L
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Didn't really enjoy this even though I quite like Emma Stone. Took until the ending to work out how all the stories/characters were related to each other. Much preferred Love, Actually.
Sheree
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I know some of those characters...good ending also.
Darren L
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This movie was a great look at contempary life and love, divorce, attraction. Clever ending and how there is a soul mate for everyone out there! Even in these modern times of complex relationships. 4.5 best comedy 0f 2011.
Mandy
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Overrated and way too long. Enjoyed the ending.
Robyn
says
I have not enjoyed many of Steve Carell movies except for Evan Almighty. I did not enjoy this one either.
AC
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Was a little dubious about a romcom movie ... thoroughly surprised. Great movie - could watch it again.
Dianne
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Entertaining movie
Richard Palmer
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Having been imbued with classical English jumour, I shouldn't comment on this movie. The Americans I know don't get British humour and I sure don't understand theirs.
Kerrie
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Girlie movie.
Liz x
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Loved this movie immensely - watched it twice. Highly recommend it. 4 1/2 stars
Sil
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Average and forgettable.
Lisa K
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Great ending... the whole movie was fantastic...who would of thought she was....???.
Emma
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I loved this movie! Thought it was going to be one of those predictable rom-coms but it actually had a great story & twist.
Lisa
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I enjoyed this movie it was an interesting take on relationships. Absolutely hilarious fight scene couldn't stop laughing
sarah
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Very funny, fast paced, great twist
Tilly
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OK, movie it was slow and I got bored with it, but glad I ended up watching it till the end, as the ending was really good.
doddery
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i found this movie over rated the story was long and no heart to it sorry just abig let down
Sandy
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This movie had me wondering where it was going until one hilarious climax! Difficult to pull off but this really worked for me!
Marg
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Really enjoyed this film. The acting was good and the twists were funny, with a good share of serious moments along the way. 3.5
Umi
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The first movie I have laughted out loud to in AGES!
Very impressed, my partner and I loved it!
Steve
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Brillaint movie. Always thought Steve Carroll was B'Grade material, but he did well in this one.
Lisa
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Too many soppy cringe-worthy scenes. Also I kept expecting Steve Carroll to break into one of his silly comedy roles so a bit strange to see him in a different role, and I totally didnt buy it.
I turned it off about 10 minutes from the end when it launched into one of the stupidest cringeworthy scenes that Americans insist on including in these films.
Cindy
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A charismatic, hugely likable cast elevate this cliche-riddled production into something significantly more enjoyable than it probably has a right to be. Carrell, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone and ( particularly) Ryan Gosling all shine; but even their combined star power can't quite disguise the paper-thin plot and the film's eventual collapse into mawkish sentimentality. Still, when it works; it's delightful.
Ruthy
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would not recommend didnt enjoy this movie at all
Shaz
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Awesomely funny movie :) Loved it!
emy
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Loved this movie, its fab fab fab!!
transiya23
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I did not expect that I will enjoy the movie in fact i watched it twice. or i am maybe just a hopeless romantic. I like it totally!
frances bohan
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was exactly that crazy stupid love and all the trappings/infatuations of knowing someone for a long/short time that people deal with every day
Mirela
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crazy and stupid...very stupid
gtick
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A little slow right at the start, but fantastic movie that comes together really well! Great laugh and not tooo much of a chick flick that a block can't watch it and appreciate the "moments" and humour
Clouseau
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Very entertaining! Great fun! You don't have to think to hard, just enjoy it!
Joon
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Loved it. Made me laugh. And Ryan Gosling!! Well, say no more. :)
megs
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love it!!!!
robyn
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not bad
A-M
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Ok- nothing special
Jo
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Really enjoyed this movie. Takes a while to get where it's going but very funny when it gets there. Love Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone.
Kathy
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Loved it, great actors and ironic twist at the end, a must see
m
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great
PW
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Entertaining. A DVD movie , not a cinema movie
Kaz
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Really loved this movie
mel
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excellant
gerd
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It's hard to know where this movie is going. For at least the first half of the film it seems quite pointless and a waste of time. Eventually it becomes a real story with some interesting people, but a case of too little, too late. And apart from one hilarious scene, it's not really a comedy.
melzy
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Starts off really slow and boring ... Has an awesome twist... prolly never watch it again but rewarding if you stick it out to the end :o)
CarolK
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Was enjoyable enough to watch, had its moments both dull and amusing. Someone told me it was a similar to "Love Actually" but no way was it in that league...
kimbo
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A middle-aged husband's life changes dramatically when his wife asks him for a divorce. He seeks to rediscover his manhood with the help of a new-found friend Jacob, learning to pick up girls at bars. Top quality entertainment. Really enjoyed it. Steve Carrell in fine form and Ryan Gosling never fails
Case
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It's got drama and comedy along with great acting. Loved it, dont usually give a film 5 stars, the 5th star is for Ryan Gosling. A bit of a different role for him but he is the best actor going around in my opinion. Was suprised how good the scenes with Steve and Ryan were. Also good to see Kevin Bacon
Pauline
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Just call it stupid!
Kate
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A funny rom-com with a twist I did not see coming. The beginning was a little slow but it gained momentum to make an entertaining evening
Larry
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As usual the Americans try to mix Comedy with Drama, and end up doing neither very well! A few laughs, but not worth watching twice.
Ann E.
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I was very pleasantly surprised by this one and enjoyed it much more than I thought I would, more than the run of the mill 'silly' romantic comedy. An excellent storyline that I think most people could relate to, good acting and hold your attention throughout. A good evening viewing.
S
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i love it... and ryan gosling . OMGGG!!!! so HOT im Melting
Lisa
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Better than I thought it would be and funny in parts, worth taking the time to watch.
Tate
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This film is a cut above other rom-coms I've seen. It is funny but also deals with the drama well and Steve Carrell seems to be able to carry off both. What i was most impressed by was the twist toward the end which I seriously was not expecting and which culminated in the funniest scene in the movie. I won't give it away but let's just say the main Carrell-Gosling-Moore storyline is not the only thing going on. Really a great movie with fabulous performances. People clapped in the cinema at the end, which I rarely hear so it must have struck a chord with its audience.
Jazz
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This is an extremely well-made romantic comedy with great acting, a good script and fine directing. It gets only three stars from me though because of its incredibly creepy message, which seems to condone stalking and sexual harassment. It's pretty normal for romantic films to convey the message that you should keep trying no matter what, even if the object of your affection repeatedly tells you no (she just hasn't realised how awesome you are yet dude! But she will if you follow her around and watch her through her windows when she doesn't know you're there!) but even by the stalkery standards of romcoms this movie was a step too far. It's strange that this happens too, since the movie handles other kinds of sexual predation in a fairly forthright way.
But putting this aside (and that's a pretty big 'but'), there's some great emotional complexity and ambiguity in the film, more than you find in your standard romcom these days. The script drags in parts, but it's a pretty good effort and Steve Carell is always delightful, even when he's encouraging his son to be a stalker.