Starring as the film's lead, Hanks portrays your run-of-the-mill American working at a department store earning his keep. Earning employee of the month on a regular basis, Larry is a lively man who loves his job. Unfortunately things come to a sudden end when he is fired from the job and left with a house to pay for on his own and no opportunities offering themselves to him.
Finding out that his sacking was down to the fact he never went to college and got qualifications, Crowne is determined to better himself. Therefore, he goes to college in order to get those qualifications and make a new life for himself.
Joining a group of very diverse students, Larry soon blends in with the younger generation and thoroughly enjoys his time as a college student, joining a moped crew and unexpectedly falling for his teacher Mercedes Tainot (Julia Roberts). Larry Crowne's college adventure is not just that, it's a turning point in his life.
Let's put things straight, dubbed a comedy drama Larry Crowne is little of either. Okay, a little humour every now and again fires it's way through to us through quirky Hanks and yard sale enthusiast neighbour Cedric the Entertainer but little in the way of brilliant humour. In terms of drama, the film is more romance and friendship based than dramatic.
Hanks and Roberts' chemistry showcases years of experience in film, both rebounding of each other with such ease but this does not save the film from being little more than mediocre. Smaller roles from the likes of George Takei and Cedric the Entertainer are wasted opportunities and the story trudges along without really grabbing your attention as much as it should.
Film rating: 2 out of 5 stars
The lowdown: Larry Crowne is a harmless and heartfelt film simply for those who enjoy a good love story. Predictable and nothing that hasn't been seen before, it will be one of Hanks' more forgettable outings in his fantastic career.
No comments:
Post a Comment