Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011

Larry Crowne

If this movie would’ve happened 20 years ago – it would’ve been a hit. That was before Tom Hanks was a castaway or Forrest Gump or an astronaut or a cartoon cowboy or a soldier on Omaha Beach. Twenty years ago, Julia Roberts was just emerging as America’s sweetheart. Now, these guys aren’t allowed to do small films about regular people. And that’s a shame. Hanks also directs and co-wrote the script with Nia Vardalos, the writer and star of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” The result is an endearing comedy dealing with normal people in the midst of a recession. No Oscar buzz for this one, no lasting quotes and lives probably won’t be changed as a result of this film. But it wasn’t a waste of time either. Don’t go in expecting, “Forrest Gump II” or “The Return of Erin Brockovich,” and it’ll be worth a watch.