Larry Crowne

As a producer Tom Hanks has been so successful that he can pretty much produce anything he wants. As a director his credits are not as substantial, yet he still is one of the most powerful men in Hollywood. With his clout, prestige and access to the Hollywood elite I kept asking myself while watching Larry Cowne, “Why, Tom Hanks, why?” I just didn’t understand the appeal of this film.

Larry Crowne is the story of a middle age man who loses his job because he has never gone to college. Since his company has promoted him as far as he can go, they feel that it is time to sever ties. As an employee he has never missed a single day, he knows every position and presents a positive cheerful attitude. But in the corporate structure, focused on diplomas and degrees, Larry Crowne has become disposable.

Getting fired now is the worst possible timing for Larry. After twenty years in the Navy Larry has worked for the store ever since he left the service. He just took out a big loan to buy his ex-wife’s interest in their family home. So this blow to his self-esteem has hit him hard. Larry is feeling worthless and very vulnerable. It is difficult for him to remain positive.

After attacking the job market and countless interviews Larry decides to take matters in to his own hands. He enrolls in community college and in his first class he gets Julia Roberts as a teacher. Julia Roberts is in full burn-out mode. Her husband (Bryan Cranston) has published two books and is now staying at home all day surfing porn. She is unhappy with him, her job, and the state of her life. She has put her own writing aside and is fighting desperately to answer the question why is she still teaching? Mercedes has lost all her passion and inspiration.

Setting aside his SUV for a more economical scooter Larry has been adopted by another scooter rider who also happens to be a classmate. Talia, (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is a pretty, effervescent girl who collects vintage clothes and dreams of having her own shop. She has taken on Larry as a make-over project and has brought him into her little gang. Her boyfriend (Wilmar Valderama) is keeping a close eye on him. He likes the guy but all this attention is ridiculous.

Like a smarter version of Forrest Gump, Julia Robert’s Mercedes becomes taken with this optimistic, cheerful, simple man. She turns into a more energized teacher, inspires her class, and they all become better public speakers. I can’t say that this film bored me, parts of it were kind of nice, but it was as bland as tapioca pudding. George Takei was kind of funny as an economics teacher and I really liked his role, but Tom’s other friends were kind of wasted. It was like the Pacific Palisades version of “Come on guys, let’s put on a show.” Everyone, including friends and family, got a part. But overall this movie was kind of dull.

Nia Vardalos wrote the script with Tom and both of their spouses appear in the film. Also appearing is Cedric the Entertainer, Pam Grier and Taraji P. Henson, a terrific actress that was given nothing to do. I don’t know what they were thinking or what they were trying to say but like a scooter this film was running on a two-stroke engine and it never really went anywhere.It was sweet, smooth and went down easy just like my favorite pudding. Not bad for a snack, but sometimes you want more. Disappointing when you consider the talent.

Rating: Rent It Sweet and as bland as tapioca pudding