Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Dir: Glenn Ficarra
2011
****
A Rom-Com that wasn't completely horrible was a long time coming by 2011. Crazy, Stupid, Love brought the wait to an end. This is down to the fact that it had a good cast, nothing is overcooked, it has genuine tender moments, it doesn't contain artificial sweeteners and nothing stupid or out of the ordinary happens. There isn't a comedy scene involving an animal, no fart gags and no food fights. Neither Matthew McConaughey or Jennifer Lopez are in this film. It could have done without the 'Graduation speech' scene but it's forgivable. The supporting cast and cameo appearances are all good, Steve Carell is as good as always and Ryan Gosling adjusted to mainstream comedy rather well. Julianne Moore is particularly good and this was the first time I saw something in Emma Stone that I liked and I think it is a pivotal point in her career. All in all, it was one of the more pleasant surprises of 2011.