Larry Crowne

2 Paws
Seen recently at Aksarben Cinema

Okay, so you'll have to set a few things aside if you want a shot at enjoying this one. Number 1: the relationship between Mercedes Tainot (Julia Roberts) and her husband, Dean (played by a skinny Bryan Cranston). There's no way she would suffer this fool, unless they're both hiding something we don't see on screen. Number 2: the main plot driver. There's no way a large retail outlet would "downsize" a Navy veteran and productive employee just because he didn't go to college (thus making him ineligible for the management track). Number 3: There's absolutely no way a gang of Scooter-riding 20-somethings at a community college would take a 50-something under their wing (although the world would be a better place if they did). Most of the folks who attend community college are juggling a job or two on the side and who knows what else.

If you can do all that, then there's something utterly charming about the way Larry Crowne moves through his quiet, ordinary life, even with his bad haircut and bad shoes. I know Tom Hanks has Oscar hardware for his dramatic performances (I forgive him for Forrest Gump), but I think he's at his best in a romantic comedy, playing the guy you can relate to, the guy you're REALLY pulling for, the guy who gets the girl - the right girl - in the end.

Bonus Bones: 3
Three small neighborhood mutts make a brief appearance during the final garage sale scene.