Crazy, Stupid, Love.(2011) ****

I really liked this movie.  I'm not going to say I loved it, because part of the plot left me confused in terms of what is right and what is wrong.  Is it ok to cheat on your husband, ask him for a divorce, treat him lack crap, then act like a victim when he goes out with other women whilst separated?  Someone said Steve Carrell's character was treated like a doormat by wife Emily (Julianne Moore) and I agree.  I felt quite sorry for him.  Then again, not many people would be bothered as much as I was by this particular part of the plot... and you don't feel quite so sorry for him after he meets Marisa Tomei (definitely one not to miss!)  So lets ignore that bit.  

The only other thing that bothered me a little was the length of some scenes.  That's not such a big deal either, so we'll ignore that too.

There's nothing else for me to criticise, so lets move on to the fun part.  And this movie was quite funny.  You're probably thinking that it's all down to Steve Carrell and, why on Earth would they cast someone like Ryan Gosling in this type of movie?  I'll tell you why.  It's because there's a secret comedian hiding underneath that serious exterior.  Ryan Gosling's Jacob stole the show!  He was hysterical, as a smooth operating lothario, taking Cal the doormat under his playboy wing.  What I liked about Ryan Gosling, is that his character never went over the top.  He and Emma Stone were quite adorable.  She, whose character rebuffs his playboy courtship (if you can call it that) and how she somehow gets "under his skin."  All very funny to watch, especially the re-enactment of a certain scene from Dirty Dancing.

And let's not forget the children.  Cal's son, Ronnie, who just happens to be in love with his babysitter (Jessica), who just happens to be in love with Cal.  All quite fun to watch, especially Ronnie's incessant public declarations of love for Jessica.

The best part of the movie though has to be a particular fight scene involving Cal, Jacob, Cal's nemesis - David Lindhagen (whose name Cal will more than familiarise you with) and the babysitter's Dad (John Carroll Lynch).   A hysterical scene, that you'll not want to miss.

So, in conclusion, go watch this movie!  A fun night out with friends, or someone you'd like to snuggle up to, this movie is definitely one to watch!