What Do The Critics Say?

"There are some insights, and many laughs here in a film which is cleverly scripted, and whose performers, all excellent, are given room to give characters a depth beyond the synthetic and the screwball. If Gosling is a bit too cliched as the buffed and armoured seducer, Emma Stone is a fine comedic counterbalance and their Dirty Dancing rip-off is delightful. This film can only have been written by someone who has been both crazy with passion and has been to a parent-teacher night." Julie Rigg MOVIETIME "Having penned the gleefully vulgar "Bad Santa" and made their directing debut with the outrageous but sweet "I Love You Philip Morris", John Requa and Glenn Ficarra have brought their trademark wit and irreverence to the studio system and the result is largely what one would expect. Smart and heartfelt, "Crazy, Stupid, Love" stands more than a cut above the majority of other comedies that litter cinemas." Cara Nash FILMINK "The biggest laughs come when the various romantic strands reach a surprisingly and fittingly outrageous climax at the end of the second act, giving the film enough time to patch up its differences, do some soul-searching and seal it all without a cliched kiss. with great performances from a strong cast and a willingness not to take the easy way out or the easy laughs, "Crazy, Stupid, Love" shines a light on the darker side of relationships without losing its heart or becoming a total cynic." Matt Neal THE WARRNAMBOOL STANDARD "It's a good script. It's along very traditional lines. Back in the '30s Cary Grant was making films like this and maybe Ryan Gosling is going to rival George Clooney for the Cary Grant of his era because he really is a very charming actor. It's witty. There's some very funny lines in the film. This is both romantic and funny. It's a terrific cast. Four stars." David Stratton AT THE MOVIES

"There is an intense emotional heart to this film, with themes of finding love in unexpected places, the often uneasy link between love and sex, and the ways we use people to get over other people. Even in its more traditional rom-com moments, Crazy, Stupid, Love has a cheeky kink to it that keeps it from being predictable and ensures it is always surprising, enlightening and hilarious." Tim Martain THE MERCURY "Filled with surprises from start to finish. "It's light, witty and truly romantic in spirit. A plot twist late in the game proves that rom-coms don't have to be predictable. At the centre of the film is a controlled, naturalistic performance from Carell, but he's surrounded by normally dramatic players Moore and Gosling flexing their comic muscles, and impressive young talent. A modern, adult story that's both uproariously funny and touchingly real." Adam Bub MOVIEFIX "The roundabout plotting of Crazy, Stupid, Love allows the film to poke fun at and speak truths about modern relationships. The more you burrow into its many subplots, the more interesting and creatively connected the film becomes. It takes an hour to work out what the heck the always-incredible Emma Stone is doing in the picture, but the wait is definitely worth it. I won't say any more than put on record my wish that she and Gosling are paired up at the centre of a production sometime soon." Leigh Paatsch HERALD SUN "Some lovely painful experiences in this bitter/sweet comedy, notably Cal's connection with a teacher, played by the always fabulous Marisa Tomei. The matching of Ryan Gosling and Steve Carell is actually fabulous. Gosling is rapidly becoming the man who can do anything on screen. He's such a talent. The timing of the comedy is great, it's a smart and talented effort that only falters slightly at the end. 4 stars." Margaret Pomeranz AT THE MOVIES "Love can be a surprise package and this comedy drama proves to be similarly disarming. Steve Carell is on form as a regular guy who begins the film happily married, but only until the end of the witty opening scene, when wife Julianne Moore asks for a divorce. There's more than enough charm and good humour here to sweep you off your feet." Stella Papamichael RADIO TIMES

The Inside Story Whether you're middle-aged marrieds on the brink of divorce, a passionate young couple in your twenties or thirties, or teenagers with your first real crush, love can make you do crazy, stupid things. Steve Carell ("Date Night"), who stars in and is one of the "Crazy, Stupid, Love", producers says: "Age usually denotes some sort of growth, some sort of leg-up on the learning curve, but that’s not always the case when it comes to love. This is a great story because it involves three different generations of romance. What I found really interesting to explore was the crossover between them and the idea that, even as we get older, we don’t always have all the answers. The lessons we can learn from our kids are sometimes the most surprising." Carell’s character in the film is Cal Weaver, a man whose life falls apart in the opening scene when, without warning, his wife announces she wants a divorce. Having the rug pulled out from under him without warning, he flails around, trying to find his footing, when he’s offered an unexpected and unusual lifeline in the form of ladie's man Jacob Palmer, played by Ryan Gosling (next to be seen in thriller/drama "Drive"). Glenn Ficarra ("Bad News Bears"), who directed "Crazy, Stupid, Love" with John Requa, states: "This is a story about a guy who has a mid-life crisis thrust upon him as opposed to coming to it naturally, and the domino effect it has on everyone around him." In addition to the details of the story and characters, the overarching theme of love, present in so many different forms, was a big draw for the directing duo. Requa ("Cats & Dogs") contends, "Love is vital. For most people, it’s really the most important thing, the greatest thing in life worth fighting for. But it can also be a great source of comedy, which is how we felt when we read the script." The screenplay, written by Dan Fogelman ("Bolt"), "was one of the best I’ve ever read," says producer Denise Di Novi ("A Walk to Remember"). "It was funny, very witty, very smart. It took a clear look at human relationships, marriage, parenting, first love, long-term love: in a way that was dramatic and edgy and hilarious; an irresistible combination for me." Fogelman actually wrote the screenplay with Carell in mind for the character of Cal. "I had the initial idea of a guy whose wife leaves him, and he meets another guy in a bar, and that guy trains him to become a sort of older version of himself, to rediscover his manhood and, well, pick up women. I could instantly imagine Steve playing him." To round out the story and characters, the writer drew from his own experiences. "I’m in my thirties, I’m single, I’ve been through the wringer just like everyone. I also have many friends who are married and have kids. People love to give you advice. So I just compiled all of the things I knew and heard and created Cal as this 'everyman' character in need of some guidance and Jacob as something of a guru." Fogelman’s script became the first project to be produced under Carell’s own Carousel banner, with partners Vance DeGeneres and Charlie Hartsock serving as executive producers on the project. Both filmmakers saw the story's appeal right away. "Everything was hidden so nicely inside the script, and every time I turned the page I was excited to find out what would happen," Hartsock ("Evan Almighty") says. "But what really impressed me was that I never felt ahead of the script, I never thought, 'Oh, I see where this is going.' That made reading it even better." DeGeneres noted: "The humor comes very naturally out of the situation and the character. Cal was very real and his story: his relationship falling apart after years of marriage; was something a lot of people can relate to." It was also precisely the kind of movie, directing partners Requa and Ficarra (who have previously only directed their own material), couldn’t pass up. "We have a common ear for what we like, and there were issues in this story: mid-life crises, family dynamics; that really rang true and were very tempting to us," Ficarra notes. "I liked the way Dan examined how annoying love can be," Requa ("Son of Satan") says. "The script was just so impressive, and it’s a character-based comedy, which is exactly what we like to do." "Glenn and John have a style that we all felt would match perfectly with this project. They’re really able to access the underlying emotion of a scene, even through the laughter. They bring a real sense of humanity to what they do," Di Novi stated. A team in the true essence of the word, the entire cast and crew came to find that the directing pair were so much on the same wavelength that they would complete each other’s sentences, or offer up an idea half a second before the other did. "We’ve been working together for something like twenty three years, so we really do think alike at this point," Ficarra admitted. In addition to having a cohesive vision, the team was able to double their efforts in other areas. "As an actor, it was like having twice the support," Carell underscores. "They created an incredibly imaginative environment in which we all had the freedom to try things with the understanding that if they didn’t work, no harm no foul. But in the trying, there was a great chance for discovery, and they were both very encouraging on that front." Requa adds: "We had so many brilliant people in this cast, that it was really just about showing up and letting them do their thing." After twenty five years of marriage, Cal’s wife, suddenly asks him for a divorce, revealing she’s had an affair. For suburban insurance man Cal, who apparently hasn’t paid much attention to his wife: or his life, lately; the news comes completely out of left field, setting him on a road to discover just where he might’ve left the man he used to be. The first stop on that path: drowning his sorrows in fruity cocktails sipped from tiny straws at a local bar, where he sticks out like the poor schlub he’s become. "Up until that very moment, Cal is happy and content in his marriage, so he is totally blindsided by Emily’s declaration," Steve Carell affirmed. "It completely catches him off-guard, and he can’t really think. He needs to reevaluate his entire life, and figure out what he’s going to do. Is he just going to give up? Is he going to get back out there? I mean, this is a guy who’s been married for many, many years." Cal gets help reinventing himself from an unexpected and, at first, unwelcome source, the very single, very self-assured Jacob Palmer, played by Ryan Gosling ("Fracture"). Unbeknownst to Cal, the dashing local playboy has been watching him bore the bartender with the same sob story night after night. "Jacob refuses to continue to let Cal wallow in misery. But not because he feels sorry for him; mainly, he just doesn’t want to have to watch," Ficarra ("Bad News Bears") revealed. The filmmakers cast Ryan Gosling in the role of Jacob. Gosling notes Jacob is, "really kind of a jackass, a knucklehead with a heart of gold who has this sort of twisted wisdom he thinks he should pass on. So I watched this TV show about a pick-up artist and read a couple of books about foolproof strategies for hitting on women. They are kind of terrifying, but I did manage to get some inspiration from them for Jacob." Requa says the filmmakers "were awed by Ryan. His insights into the character and the story were remarkable, and the interplay between him and Steve was just perfect." Casting acclaimed actress Julianne Moore (Lasse Hallström's, "The Shipping News") was an easy choice. "Like Ryan, she’s not exactly known for comedy, but she has such effervescence about her," Di Novi said. "She brought so much to the part, so much humour to the heartache. She played Emily with grace and charm. You can see why Cal views her as his soulmate." "Cal and Emily have been married for a long time but have become kind of disconnected," 2003 Silver Berlin Bear winner Moore notes. "I loved that this story started with that, where they are past 'how do I meet this person and fall in love with them and get married?' So far past it, that they are moving away from each other." 2010 Monte-Carlo TV Festival Golden Nymph winner Carell, describes Moore as: "the sweetest person, one of those people that you feel like you’ve known forever, even if you’ve just met." As a natural consequence of their actions, Cal and Emily are forced to contend with the questions and emotions of their two young children, Robbie and Molly played, respectively, by Jonah Bobo and, Joey King ("Horton Hears a Who!"). In casting the pivotal part of thirteen year old Bobby, the filmmakers sought a young actor with a great deal of maturity, and found him in Jonah Bobo ("Zathura"). Bobo says he found the complexity of the character to be a fun challenge. "It’s a hard time for Robbie. His parents are getting divorced, which was really unexpected." At the same time, Robbie’s having romance problems of his own. "He’s completely in love with his babysitter, who’s only a few years older than him, so in his mind, he’s totally got a chance." The object of Robbie’s devotion is his seventeen year old babysitter, Jessica, a self-conscious teen immersed in her own first infatuation, who unwittingly comes between Cal and Robbie. The filmmakers cast fresh-faced Analeigh Tipton ("The Green Hornet") as Jessica. Playing her first major film role, the actress admittedly had a few butterflies, but funneled that energy into the part. "Jessica is sort of an awkward girl, unsure of herself, so whenever I felt nervous, I just went with it, and let my own jitters become hers," Tipton revealed. Kevin Bacon, who was cast as home wrecker David Lindhagen appreciated the humanistic way in which the character was drawn. "He’s basically a kind, pretty simple, straightforward guy who is really in love with Emily. It was a nice twist that the 'other man' wasn’t a jerk," Bacon notes. "David Lindhagen isn’t a clichéd bad guy, and Kevin never played him as one. He made him sexy and fun and attentive, presenting a viable option for her by having some of the qualities that Cal seemed to have lost over the years," says Di Novi ("Edward Scissorhands"). The same tenet held true when casting the part of Kate, Cal’s first post-separation fling. Kate needed to be a credible option for Cal, and so the filmmakers were thrilled to cast 1993 Oscar® winner Marisa Tomei ("My Cousin Vinnie") in the role. Tomei ("The Wrestler") asserts: "I think this movie really shows what fools we can be for love. Kate just wants to meet somebody: probably anybody; and so does Cal." Rising Star Emma Stone, plays Hannah. "She is studying for the bar exam and has a boyfriend, Richard, who’s also a lawyer," says Stone. "But as a suitor, Richard is kind of boring, and Hannah’s approaching a crossroads in her life, trying to figure out whether to stay with the safe guy or go a little wild. She does see that Richard’s very sweet, and that there are probably a lot of girls who would be all about Richard. It’s possible that she needs someone a little spicier: and if you’re looking for spice; Jacob’s got it. He’s the whole rack." Josh Groban makes his feature film acting debut as Richard. What's It All About?

Fortysomething, straight-laced Cal Weaver is living the dream. Good job, nice house, great kids and marriage to his high school sweetheart, Emily. But when Cal learns thatshe has cheated on him and wants a divorce, his 'perfect' life quickly unravels. Worse, in today's single world, Cal, who hasn't dated in decades, stands out as the epitome of un-smooth, spending his free evenings sulking alone at a local bar. Until hapless Cal is taken on as wingman and protege to handsome, suave, thirtysomething player Jacob. In an effort to help Cal get over his wife and start living his life, he opens Cal's eyes to the many options before him: flirty women, manly drinks and a sense of style that can't be found at Supercuts or The Gap. Yet, despite Cal's makeover and his many new conquests, the one thing that can't be made over is Cal's heart, which seems to keep leading him back to where he began.

The Verdict "Love, first crush, marriage, divorce, singles bars and in some cases, getting back together are all constants in a modern society, that is crazy, stupid, about love: especially when it comes to falling in love, staying in love and findinging what keeps that spark of love burning in a relationship. Directors, producers and writers Glenn Ficarra & John Requa, who up until now, have only directed their own material, helm what many will find, reflects life in a way we can all relate to. Steve Carell, Julianne Moore and Marisa Tomei may be the 'senior' career actors cast in 'Crazy Stupid Love", but there's plenty here to attract a wide audience, with outstanding performances from highly talented 'youngsters', Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Analeigh Tipton and Jonah Bobo. Despite the fact that the pace pulls back a little in the final act, there is much to enjoy in this solid rom/com. Adults males with life experiences will appreciate what Cal goes through as a suddenly single male. Marisa Tomei ("The Wrestler") once again gives a 'gem' of a performance, this time as a single woman looking for someone to put a spark her life. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone just go from strength to strength. When they hook up on-screen, they are hot. It's funny, it's poignant, it's cruel and just like life, it's crazy stupid. Good cast. Solid performances. Plenty of humour. And of course, there's that will they or won't they factor. Highly Recommended. 4 STARS." Who Is Playing Who?

Steve Carell Ryan Gosling Julianne Moore Jonah Bobo Joey King Emma Stone Analeigh Tipton Marisa Tomei Beth Littleford John Carroll Lynch Kevin Bacon Liza Lapira Josh Groban Julianna Guill Zayne Emory Crystal Reed

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Cal Weaver Jacob Emily Robbie Weaver Molly Weaver Hannah Jessica Kate Claire Riley Bernie Riley David Lindhagen Liz Richard Madison Robbie's Friend Eric Amy Johnson

The Production Team Directed by Glenn Ficarra & John Requa Written by Dan Fogelman Produced by Steve Carell & Denise Di Novi Original Music by Christophe Beck & Nick Urata Cinematography by Andrew Dunn Film Editing by Lee Haxall Casting by Mindy Marin Production Design by William Arnold Art Direction by Sue Chan Set Decoration by David Smith Costume Design by Dayna Pink Run Time 118 minutes Rated M [AUST] Copyright ©2011 - Warner Bros Films - All Rights Reserved ©1999-2011 - The Movie Pages & Impact Internet Services - All Rights Reserved. Protected by Australian & International Copyright, Trademark Laws & Intellectual Property Rights.