DVD REVIEW: CRAZY, STUPID LOVE

4/5

Crazy, sexy, cool.

12A, 130 Minutes. Starring: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei, Kevin Bacon. Director: Glenn Ficarra & John Requa. Screenplay: Dan Fogelman

Steve Carrell has no luck with women. Not to be harsh on the great guy but in this movie he just doesn't have his way with Julianne Moore, Bill Cosby's wardrobe or automobiles. It's safe to say like the drinks his character drowns his sorrows in his marriage is on the rocks. So here's the twist; in comes ladies man Ryan Gosling as our R-rated 'Hitch' to give Carrell a new wardrobe, style and lease of life with the ladies, including a real fox in Marissa Tomei. Julianne Moore-who seems to be bringing home the Kevin Bacon-won't know what has hit him. Gosling likes to swan about with various females but his attentions also been caught as he tries to court Emma Stone. Throw in a smitten babysitter, some confused kids and some disgruntled adults and there we have some 'Crazy, Stupid, Love' and our latest situation romantic comedy for the big screens.

Call me crazy or stupid but this is one hell of a love story. Heart filled and realer then most rom-coms this is a heaven sent thinker, not a stinker. It's cool and classy like the bar Carrell and Gosling frequent but down to earth and homely like the primary setting. The man that went from 'Brick' to formidably firing up the critically welfare-prone American 'Office' has produced another gem. Steve Carrell has given us another Vince Vaughan/thinking man's comedy that explores the darker sides of relationships but still lightens things up with some gorgeous gags.

The ladies are going to love Ryan Gosling too-who has come a long way since 'Remember The Titans' (remember that)-plus the guys will wish they where photo-shopped too. Slick, smart, well-dressed and charismatic it may be time for guys like Ryan Reynolds and James Franco to stand aside. Julianne Moore pops in again with a consistently great performance while Emma Stone continues her hard work as the 'Easy A' actress rises her star stock. Just call her the new Rose Byrne with this, 'Friends With Benefits' and the aid of 'Help'...she's in everything.

More star meat's given to this film as Carrell has beef with Kevin Bacon, while the sexy, sultry Marissa Tomei just keeps looking and getting better. Everyone takes part including 'America's Next Top Model' Analeigh Tipton, hot actress of the moment Liza Lapira and many more. I mean even Josh Groban makes an appearance...Josh Groban?! I'm sorry this is new to me, I don't watch 'Glee'. Still even with a recognisable cast you still don't know what your going to get from this movie until you watch it. From some 'Run Fatboy Run' gym gags done better to some tender tapped late night phone calls. One thing you can be sure of is some crazy laughs, stupid fun and a lot of love. TIM DAVID HARVEY.