Hammer Reviers "Larry Crowne"

So yesterday it was 200 degrees outside and Cherry and I decided to use someone else's air conditioning so we decided to go check out the new Tom Hanks movie - Larry Crowne. We have seen a whole bunch of blockbuster action and comic book movies this summer, but it is great to see something a little different. Tom Hanks’ Playtone Productions' latest project, Larry Crowne, is written by both Hanks and Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and directed by Hanks himself. The movie is not meant to be overly too exciting and the good thing is the lack in excitement doesn’t mean lack in entertainment - which is really what we are all looking for in a movie.

Tom Hanks plays the title character, a man who takes pride in his retail job where he is underutilized and underappreciated and is abruptly “let go” after years of service because he does not have a college degree and cannot advance any further into a management position. Last I knew, you can't fire someone because they don't have a college degree, so we will assume they they are just downsizing. Anyway, Larry goes through the motions of trying to find a job yet times are tough and he is unable to find another job. We learn that Crowne spent twenty years in the Navy straight out of high school as a cook and he never attended college. He decides that he wants to change that and enrolls in Community College.

He ends up buying a scooter to save money on gas and on his first day of school, he meets free spirited Talia (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and the rest of her “scooter gang,” including her boyfriend Dell Gordo (Wilmer Valderrama), who helps Larry adjust to his new life. His first class is Speech 217, taught by weary professor Mrs. Tainot (Julia Roberts), who manages to handle her early mornings and a failing marriage with many-a-blended alcoholic drinks.

Crowne also is enrolled in an economics class taught by a Dr. Matusani (George Takei, who was having a good time in this role), as he deals with his financial crises as the holder of one’s toxic mortgage. He also deals with his cell phone being taken away during the class.

So begins Larry's subtle romance with his cynical, troubled speech professor. The relationship between Hanks' and Roberts' characters is downplayed a bit and focuses more on believable, genuine affection towards each other.

The supporting characters in this movie play their parts strongly, never overshadowing the stars, but instead complementing them and creating a well-orchestrated cast: Cedric the Entertainer plays Larry’s quirky neighbor, Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) is Mr. Tainot, the writer turned internet blogger/porn-lover husband, Rami Malek (The Pacific), Grace Gummer(Meryl Streep's daughter), and Rita Wilson (Hank's wife) all add to the charm of the movie.

Larry Crowne is Hank's second feature film as a director - 15 years after That Thing You Do. He does a pretty solid job of this one. If you are looking for a break from superheroes, bad teachers, hangovers, or robots, go see something a little light hearted. I give this one a B.