We all know that I am not a fan of chick flicks (or at least, we all know now). I make a general rule not to watch them unless coerced, and the trailers for this film looked very cheesy indeed, so I was initially hesitant. However, Crazy Stupid Love is a pleasant surprise, as far as films of this genre go. It has heart and some genuinely complicated characters, and a happy ending that, while trite, feels more deserved than in some other films.
The film examines several different stories, the common thread among which is Steve Carrell's character (Cal), who in the film's first scene sees his 20-some year marriage fall to pieces at his feet. Julianne Moore is his cheating wife (her new interest is a smarmy as ever Kevin Bacon), who appears to be having the sort of suburban mid-life crisis of which I've become so fond this summer. Understandably, Carrell's character falls into a pit of self-pity and long ramblings on the de-evolution of his relationship (but what is miserable for the character is an opportunity to see Carrell at his pathetic best). Enter the requisite ladies' man sidekick, a vaguely douchy incarnation of Ryan Gosling (Jacob).
Obviously, Cal is in sore need of a mentor, and Jacob is only too happy to offer his services. The scenes in which he teaches Cal how to be a womanizer are funny, but they mostly remind the viewer of the potential of these two actors, and the ways in which the sometimes weak writing suppresses their abilities. I mean, between Carrell and Gosling you've got Emmy, Golden Globe, and Oscar nominations multiple times over, not to mention hours and hours of proof that each is fully capable of vanishing into a role and making even an annoying or despicable character intriguing, not to mention there is an uncanny chemistry between them. It just seems a shame that much of their mutual potential feels wasted. There are a few moments, however, particularly toward the film's conclusion, where both are permitted to bust out their dramatic acting chops, and in my opinion, both shine brightest in these scenes.
Emma Stone is charming as always, though you're left wishing you got a little more from her character (she seems to be built mostly on a cliche archetype that's never fully fleshed out), particularly after an unexpected twist leading into the film's third act. Julianne Moore is similarly short-changed, and it is difficult to sympathize with her or understand her actions, something that feels like it should have been prioritized a little more. On the whole it seems that the development of the female characters has been sacrificed so that both leading men can be more effectively transformed (but then, what else is new?).
Overall, though, this film provides an interesting study of characters in emotional flux, particularly Cal and Jacob. It also has some truly cheesy moments that I could have done without, but I guess you can't get away with writing a cliche-free romantic comedy these days. Gosling and Carrell are worth the ticket price, and if you adore the misery of the (upper) middle class as wholeheartedly as I do, then this is definitely a summer movie for you to check out.
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