- Film Review
- Reviewed By Stella Papamichael
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4 out of 5
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. He then meets bar-room player Ryan Gosling, who offers to restore the self-confessed cuckold to manly glory, and from there on this plays out like Pygmalion in shiny suits. But for all the laddish exploits, co-directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (I Love You Phillip Morris) never lapse into cynicism. Crucially, Gosling's womaniser remains endearing and funny, so that when the wholesome Emma Stone comes along and proves immune to his charms, you root for him to get the girl. Another subplot involving Carell's teenage son and his babysitter slows the pace, and a contrived finale somewhat undermines the realism, but there's more than enough charm and good humour here to sweep you off your feet.
Plot Summary
A middle-aged family man's seemingly perfect life is thrown into ruin when his wife asks for a divorce. As he spends his nights in a local bar, he acquires a younger drinking buddy, who offers to give him a crash course in being single. Comedy, starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore and Emma Stone.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Cal Weaver
- Steve Carell
- Jacob Palmer
- Ryan Gosling
- Emily Weaver
- Julianne Moore
- Hannah
- Emma Stone
- Jessica Riley
- Analeigh Tipton
- Robbie
- Jonah Bobo
- Molly
- Joey King
- Kate
- Marisa Tomei
- Claire
- Beth Littleford
- Bernie
- John Carroll Lynch
- David Lindhagen
- Kevin Bacon
- Liz
- Liza Lapira
- Richard
- Josh Groban
Crew
- Director
- Glenn Ficarra
- Director
- John Requa
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