MOVIE REVIEW - Crazy, Stupid, Love

The time is right for a new adult comedy, and this weeks Crazy, Stupid, Love is just the answer.

First off, this movie does have problems, and we'll address those right up front. It's is draggy in some spots. It does seem longer than it is, and some of the stuff here doesn't work the way they had hoped for. So to say that CSL is flawed is fair. But there is much good here.

It's the story of Cal (Steve Carell) and Emily (Julianne Moore). They have been married for 25 years, and she wants a divorce. Cal doesn't take it well and tries hard to move on with his life. He then meets Jacob (Ryan Gosling) who is 20 years younger and a real ladies man. He takes the long off the market Cal and gives him lessons on picking up women with a total life makeover. And Cal has a fair amount of success. But as good of friends as they become, there is still a generation gap that seems to be ever present.

Then there's the PG rated Hannah (Emma Stone). She meets Jacob, and suddenly his days of women chasing seem to be over. He falls for her, and his friendship with Cal is strained. Emily is trying hard to move on as well in her life, and Emily and Cal's young kids are trying to hang on too. Will Cal and Emily put it back together? Will Jacob finally meet his match? That is CSL. This is a real slick script.

This is a very compelling story that tries its best to take a good, long look at modern love of all ages. It shows the good, the bad and the ugly of all that can be our world today as far as relationships are concerned. It does a very good job of showing love from all angles. Being married, young dating, older dating, the bar scene, and stupid decisions we have all made in love at one time or another. Including bad decisions, runaway hormones and stupid actions. There are some too good laughs, and some moving moments that give it a well rounded look.

Carell is the same guy again in the movies. The lovable geek that seems to be fighting an uphill battle in love. Moore is who she is, underwhelming again. Gosling's star continues to rise as Hollywood's leading man. But Emma Stone is the show again. Stone is so versatile, so funny, so real, it's hard not to be taken with her. I have stated before she is the next big deal and this is more proof. At such a young age she has such a leg up on the competition both past and present. With all due respect, Meg Ryan, Sandra Bullock or Julia Roberts were never this naturally funny. She is a great mix of girl next door, with real natural comedic skills and pleasantness that's hard to match. Any movie is better with her starring in it.

Crazy, Stupid, Love is not perfect, and it's not without flaw. But the story is strong, and it's a bunch of fun. Great summer movie going. Well done.