Crazy, stupid, love.

Went to see this movie with my darling sister, and went again when I got back home. And again. It's the story of Cal (Steve Carell) and his wife, Emily (Julianne Moore), who were high school sweethearts. Emily reveals at the beginning of the movie that she slept with a man at work, David Lindhagen (Kevin Bacon). Cal is devastated and moves out. So begins his journey of reinvention with the help of 'the hot guy from the bar' Jacob (Ryan Gosling, oh my) with the hope of a reconciliation with Emily. Interwoven into the main plot is the story of Jacob a serial womaniser who is confronted and confused by love, Cal's son who is in love with the babysitter and the babysitter who is in love with Cal. It's about love in all its different forms. A bit like 'Love Actually' but far less contrived, far funnier, and far far sexier. Where to begin? Well, it's a rom-com in the best sense of the word. It's very romantic, and it's very funny. There are some truly stand out scenes. When Jacob takes Hannah home to his house, it's a heartwarming and funny conversation, one of the most romantic, sweet scenes I've seen in a long time, and oh Mr Gosling, those abs are obscene! He's flavour of the month for a very good reason. Intelligent and charming, not conventionally good looking, Jacob could have been an arrogant and dislikable character. Not in Mr Goslings very capable (I imagine) hands. Emma Stone plays Hannah, again, no wonder she's the darling of Hollywood, a real gem, likeable and funny, you love Hannah from the start. There is also the part where Emily phones Cal for help with the boiler. It's so charmingly acted, so true and simple yet the message is clear. Julianne Moore is stellar as always, beautiful and slightly haunted, we should hate her, but we don't. The kids are brilliant, as are all the supporting cast. Steve Carrell is just heartbreaking. He has the magical qualities of pathos and humour. You can't help but like him, even when he's really quite pathetic. This is a really beautiful, fun film. It will become a classic. There are some daft scenes but they work, and the ending even surprised and charmed this jaded veteran movie goer. I hate to admit it, but I am a romantic at heart, and this movie is just so damn romantic, and sad and funny. Just like life, except there's no Ryan Gosling.... Crazy, Stupid, Love: A bit crazy, not stupid, I love...9/10

Chloe

We had a very special trip this weekend, and were lucky enough to be staying across from an Arthouse Movie theatre. I had been wanting to see this film for a while, so obviously took it as the ideal opportunity. Starring Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore and Amanda Seyfried as Chloe, this is a sloppy adaptation based on a novel. The film suffers from delusions of grandure. Neeson and Moore are always faultless actors but not even they could save this one I'm afraid. It's the tired old tale of a Gynaecologist (handy as it turns out) played by Moore who believes that her Tutoring husband is doing the dirty after he lies about missing a flight home. Enter Amanda Seyfried as the all knowing high class hooker Chloe whom the good Dr hires to initially attract her husband to confirm his cheating ways. Will she be happy with what Chloe finds out about ol' teach? Thus unfolds an hour and a half of angst, miscommunication and awkward seduction. What's so wrong with this story of sexual intrigue you ask? Well, the script is disjointed, stilted, doesn't ring true and just isn't, well, sexy. The actual story is one that is as old and tired as I am, with no new twists and you care so little for the characters that it doesn't matter anyway. The role of Chloe is miscast. Amanda Seyfried is pretty and acts well, but is unconvincing as a beguiling, seductive prostitute. She still looks as if she should be bopping around a Greek Island with Meryl. The movie doesn't make much sense at all. Julianne Moore and Liam Neeson are great, especially when you consider that Natasha Richardson (Neeson's wife) sadly died whilst he was making this film. The locations and clothes are gorgeous,but it's style over substance I'm afraid. You just don't believe in or care for any of the characters that much and the ending is quick and far fetched. The 'twist' at the end is baffling and leaves you wondering just what the director's final message was. Whilst I'm nit picking, why does almost every couple with children in movies opt for only one child? Is it cheaper, are they lazy or does it have a deeper meaning that has gone totally over my head? Chloe: More street walker than High end hotel, though if it was a hooker would charge you $1000 a night and think you should be very grateful for the privelege. 3/10.