Crazy, Stupid, Love. - 9 stars out of 10

Crazy, Stupid, Love. - 9 stars out of 10

"Crazy, Stupid, Love." is one of the most unexpected, honest films that I have seen in a long time.  It delivers several important messages about the destruction caused by cheating, the lack of fulfillment from one-night stands, and the power of true love to allow inexplicable forgiveness.  In fact, I related to this film in a deep and meaningful way.  Steve Carell = comedy, this story = drama, and this film ends up being an incredible blend of both.  Carell is such a goofball, but with his roles in this film and "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World," he has shown a sensitivity and restraint in his acting that gives him a sincere, realistic feel.  He's that relatable nice guy who tries to be a jerk because he believes that's what women want.  Ryan Gosling may deliver the finest performance of the film.  He's such a smooth operator (especially with the "Dirty Dancing" thing, though I had trouble buying that he could ever change.  Marisa Tomei has some hysterical moments as the teacher and Emma Stone is as cute as usual.  The greatest part of the film is the convergence of the storylines.  You can predict that a few of these may cross paths, but not all of them.  This film has so many great aspects, from the character development to the acting to the dialogue to the themes, but my favorite part is Steve Carell's speech about love.  The story builds up so much tension and just when you think that everything is resolved, it gets worse.  But everything leads to that single moment when Steve Carell hesitantly interrupts his son's speech, and it does not disappoint.  It is one of those perfect movie moments.  "Crazy, Stupid, Love." has everything from sentimentality to comedy and deep philosophical value.  It's just one of those films that will make you laugh, cry, and feel so glad that someone gave it such a strong recommendation.