It’s safe to call Crazy, Stupid, Love one of the most successful and memorable romantic comedies of all time.
The 2011 film directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa has a screenplay penned by Dan Fogelman and features a monster cast.
Currently streaming on Netflix, the rom-com’s huge A-list cast includes Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei, Kevin Bacon, Josh Groban, Joey King, Analeigh Tipton, and Mekia Cox.
The rom-com centres around the recently separated Cal Weaver (Carrell), who learns the ropes on how to be more romantic and pick up women from Jacob Palmer (Gosling), a charming womanizer. A series of interconnected love stories follow, rendering Crazy, Stupid, Love. a constant surprise for viewers.
The film grossed approximately $145 million at the global box-office against its $50 million production budget and Gosling was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his enigmatic performance.
With a Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 79 per cent, Crazy, Stupid, Love. generally received positive reviews from critics, with one writing: “Most successful rom-coms tend to win off the back of their laughs or their feels. Crazy Stupid Love achieves both.”
Another reviewer said: “Studios rarely make movies like this anymore. Crazy, Stupid, Love. makes you wish that they did it more often.”
A third critic felt the movie was ‘real’ and wrote: “A rom-com that actually feels genuine and real. Sure, there’s some grandiose gestures and ridiculous speeches that kind of made me flinch, but overall – this film got it right.”
In a 2011 interview with Collider, Ryan Gosling shed light on the reason why he signed Crazy, Stupid, Love.: “I just love Steve Carell, always wanted to work with Steve. When I first moved to Los Angeles I did a pilot, was 17, had a small part, so did Steve. We didn’t get to work together but he was so funny I would go to set just to watch him work.
“One time the boom guy just threw down his mic and had a laughing attack in the corner in the middle of a take. It was the first time I worked with someone who was so good it was a problem. I became a huge fan then. I watched him on The Daily Show, I watched all his movies. Eventually I got this opportunity to work with him so I decided to jump at it. I would have done anything to work with him.”
With largely positive reviews from audiences as well, the film seemed to have worked on every level. One viewer wrote: “It might be the most enjoyable rom-com of all time. Incredible cast, every character is so dang adorable and the direction is seemingly flawless. It’s a must watch for anybody with a pulse haha.”
While another showered high praise on Gosling and Carell: “One of the best Romantic Comedies ever made! Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling make the oddest pairing but it works so fantastically well. They steal the show! Movie will leave you in stitches from start to finish!”
A third audience review stated: “The movie is just what I need when I feel down. It’s silly, happy, moments of sadness with a happiness encore. Great cast.”
While one viewer declared: “One of the most inventive and best romantic comedies of all time. Great casting, great directing and a fun story. What more could you ask for?”
Crazy, Stupid, Love. is currently streaming on Netflix.