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Downsized store manager Larry (director Tom Hanks) falls for his college public speaking instructor (Julia Roberts) in the comic romance “Larry Crowne.” |
I have actually taught an introductory class in speech communications at Eastern Illinois University, and that is how I know Tom Hanks’ new romantic comedy “Larry Crowne” nails the essence of that experience.
“Larry Crowne” tells the story of a downsized, middle-aged big-box store manager who sees education as the key to his future.
So he enrolls in classes at East Valley Community College: one in economics taught by the scariest teacher in higher education (erstwhile Mr. Sulu, George Takei); the other in informal speech taught by a disillusioned woman (Julia Roberts) trapped in a terrible marriage.
Hanks, who directed and co-wrote this screenplay with Nia “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” Vardalos, stars as the titular character, Larry Crowne.
He spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy as a cook and never attended college. So, his employer U-Mart cuts him loose because it regards him as a less desirable worker.
“Larry Crowne” has many facets to its story.
It offers a reassuring, fresh take on the reinventing-yourself-after-being-laid-off story.
It addresses finding romance on life’s rebound with a maturity and sincerity we seldom see in Hollywood rom-coms. (Read more…)