Crazy, Stupid, Brilliant

I seldom make a bad decision about what I see at the theatre. In an age where the latest films are just a click away, it's difficult to justify spending $15.00, to squeeze into a sticky seat while a 300 pound man, bagged in cliche fatman attire (you know the type, new balance runners, three quarter cut-offs and a T-shirt that could double as a piece of camping equipment), grazes beside me. Again my sense prevailed, Crazy, Stupid, Love, for me is the film of the season, hands down.

Here's why.

Steve Carell abandons his trademark Michael Scott humour, or rather water's it down, and offers us a much more real performance. He carries genre newbies, Ryan Gosling and Julienne Moore, through the particularly slow scenes. His performance echoes his role in Little Miss Sunshine. At times so real and heart wrenching, then at others times so undeniably hilarious.

Emma Stone once again justifies her sudden emergence as one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Seldom does a star rise so quickly without inevitably taking a few bad role choices, Stone for me still holds a clean sheet. She is funny, she is charming and she exhibits the making of a silver screen mainstay. Stealing scenes from partner in crime Gosling and truly putting her hand up for critical appraisal.

Supporting roles by young stars and comedy veteran, Jonah Bobo and Marisa Tomei, don't go missed. Here is a teenage star that may, very well, be appearing more and more over the coming years. Bobo's brilliant portrayal of a young love struck dope is so believable and innocent, at times, I could see him stealing the show. Tomei of Anger Management and The Wrestler fame, steps into a reasonably unfamiliar role, and plays the role of manic abandoned lover well. While her performance is at times a little lacking, for the most part she makes up for it.

The story seems a little shaky and predictable midway through, and perhaps this is it's only downfall, but a sudden series of twists blind-sides you, leaves you reeling and at times admittedly doubting where the story would conclude -- but, let's face it, it's a Rom-Com, so we all know where it ends.

The entire ensemble brings something unique to the character, and it shines through in every scene. I have only genuinely enjoyed two Rom-Com's in the past: About a Boy and Love Actually, well I think it is time to move over Hugh Grant, a new age of humour has dawned and your genre now belongs to the fresh faces of Crazy, Stupid, Love.

4/5

Spoiler! :

I wrote this in about 15 minutes, in a sleepy stupor. Just got back from the theatre. This is a just-for-fun piece but critiques are welcomed. Also, the only big movie of the summer I haven't seen is Harry Potter 8. I hope I don't ruffle any feathers by suggesting Carrel trumps Potter. But he does.