Crazy Stupid Love is an altogether very satisfying romantic comedy starring Steve Carell as the middle-aged sad sack who has been dumped by his longtime wife (Julianne Moore) and comes under the tutelage of uber lounge lizard Ryan Gosling, who in turn is falling for Emma Stone. Lots of laughs ensue, leading up to a madcap climax in Moore’s back yard, before the film slows down for the last 20 minutes. But, it’s plenty funny (and not many romcoms are these days).
Gosling, who earned indie favorite status playing tortured/damaged characters, is great here as the guy who can melt any gal in a bar with stunning ease and speed. Emma Stone is always good in comedies. Lisa Lapira shines as Stone’s wingman, and Analeigh Tipton is excellent as Carrel’s babysitter.