Harmless comedy containing some humorous bits. I give it a "7" and am not panning it, but I might if I had not seen it last night on Netflix five years after its 2011 release. Frankly, we're today so "overly-movied" and thus to get an "A" it would take same talented actors and a "greatness element," whatever that magically means. I shall not bash as a "lame movie," but I didn't pay that usual $8--$12. So enjoy it on internet, because it's a triple but not a grand slam, while having plenty of moments. Obviously I'm not a professional critic, but try to find a Rex Reed hit piece, if he still does movie autopsies too, hint: an ancient if not elderly NY OBSERVER critic whom currently skewers the Broadway play WAITRESS. I feel bad for that play he reviews yesterday, even though I never go to plays myself, the probably last being circa 2003, not worth the $50 (whatever).

Tom Hanks enters Rom-Com Zone with 'Larry Crowne'. And he succeeds pretty much in delivering a cute little film, about a man's journey in his 40's. Its a simple film, told simplistically.'Larry Crowne' Synopsis: After losing his job, a middle-aged man reinvents himself by going back to college.'Larry Crowne' isn't consistently crisp or sharp, but it has a good, clean heart & I admired that. Hanks & Nia Vardalos's Screenplay is simple & sweet. But of course, it could've been tighter. Hanks's Direction is well-done. Cinematography & Editing are okay.Performance-Wise: Hanks is charming, as ever. He's Larry Crowne from start to end. Julia Roberts is exceptional. She enacts the frustrated women, who later finds love, with absolute naturalness. Bryan Cranston, as Julia's obnoxious husband, is perfect. Taraji P. Henson & Cedric the Entertainer are passable. Rami Malek is excellent, while Pam Grier sleepwalks through her role.On the whole, 'Larry Crowne' is a decent watch.

Larry Crowne is Tom Hank's second film as a director. It's a feel good film with a big heart from its lead man. Financial cuts force Larry (Hanks) into losing his job. This hot topic is brushed aside as Larry stays positive by attending college. He meets some weird and wonderful people, including a young, free spirit who changes everything in Larry's life; his hair style, his fashion sense, even the layout of his living room. Larry's on a journey to reinvent himself. He gets a new job, stays focused in college and has a thing for the teacher (Julia Roberts). Julia Robert's relationship with her husband is nearing its end and never quite fits in with the rest of the film. Ultimately not much happens. The movie never escalates, only simmers. If it weren't for Hanks and Robert's ability to act out greatness from a weak script, Larry Crowne would be worse off. By the time it hits its happy, sure-fire ending all involved will be wondering what Larry Crowne's point was.

After the success of 'That Thing You Do' you can see why Tom Hanks was keen to give the acting/writing/directing in a project another go.Sadly Larry Crowne is not a good film. The premise is good, and certainly topical but it's let down by a paper thin plot and weak characterisation.Tom Hanks to his credit does his normal everyman trick very well and his relationship with Julia Roberts character is strong,but everything else...oh dear. Even the appearance of Cedric The Entertainer doesn't add much to a film that plods along despite it's relatively short running time.The sad thing is that this film had potential, but sadly the female characters are so 2D that we never really feel for them. And in a romcom if we don't root for both parties the game is really up.