Larry Crowne
Larry Crowne Image
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Metascore
41

Mixed or average reviews - based on 41 Critics What's this?

User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 80 Ratings

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  • Starring: ,
  • Summary: Until he was downsized, affable, amiable Larry Crowne was a superstar team leader at the big-box company where he's worked since his time in the Navy. Underwater on his mortgage and unclear on what to do with his suddenly free days, Larry heads to his local college to start over. There he becomes part of a colorful community of outcasts, also-rans and the overlooked all trying to find a better future for themselves...often moving around town in a herd of scooters. In his public-speaking class, Larry develops an unexpected crush on his teacher Mercedes Tainot, who has lost as much passion for teaching as she has for her husband. The simple guy who has every reason to think his life has stalled will come to learn an unexpected lesson: when you think everything worth having has passed you by, you just might discover your reason to live. (Universal Pictures)

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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 41
  3. Negative: 9 out of 41
  1. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Rene Rodriguez
    Jul 2, 2011
    75
    The film seems simple and facile at a glance, but these characters and their dilemmas stay with you. These days, any of us could suddenly be Larry Crowne.
  2. New Orleans Times-Picayune
    Reviewed by: Mike Scott
    Jul 1, 2011
    63
    Breezy but forgettable.
  3. Empire
    Reviewed by: Helen O'Hara
    Jun 27, 2011
    60
    This one coasts by on Hanks' immense appeal and charm, but more focus and a touch more sharpness are needed to make it really come alive.
  4. Charlotte Observer
    Reviewed by: Lawrence Toppman
    Jun 30, 2011
    50
    Inside this film, a poignant and personal story is struggling to get out. But it's couched in such awkward sentiments that it can't emerge.
  5. Movieline
    Reviewed by: Stephanie Zacharek
    Jun 30, 2011
    45
    In the early scenes of Larry Crowne, Hanks' Larry is so assertively regular he almost comes off as a special-needs child - grinning into his coffee-cup in the big-box-store break room, he has all the sexual allure of Forrest Gump.
  6. Time Out New York
    Reviewed by: Keith Uhlich
    Jun 28, 2011
    40
    Though both lead actors are able to coast for a while on their natural charm, it's evident by the soppy finale that their "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Pretty Woman" salad days are long past.
  7. Variety
    Reviewed by: Justin Chang
    Jun 28, 2011
    20
    Movie stars may be less valued than they used to be, but it's still puzzling to see Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts stuck in a romantic comedy as flat-footed and tone deaf as Larry Crowne.

See all 41 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 33
  3. Negative: 7 out of 33
  1. Waterlily
    Jul 5, 2011
    10
    This was a sweet, uplifting, optimistic movie, well-cast and well-acted. It could perhaps have been a little more dynamic, but it was entertaining, and I could believe that Tom Hanks would get the girl :)… Expand
  2. Finnatic
    Jul 9, 2011
    10
    I kept a smile on my face throughout this movie. While not as bombastic and in-your-face as some of the summer fare this year, this movie is soft, heartwarming, and inspiring. I found myself pondering taking a class or two and wishing I had the kind of courage that Lance..err Larry has. I also thought that this movie belonged under something like the Fox Searchlight banner as it is of the same charming vein as several smaller independent films that I can recall seeing in recent times. The soundtrack of Tom Petty and ELO songs really got me going, as well. There are a myriad of excellent casting choices made in this film. I think you could do far, far worse than an afternoon or evening spent with Larry Crowne and friends. In fact, I'd wager to bet that you might just walk out of this movie savoring life just a wee bit more.… Expand
  3. movietime
    Jul 1, 2011
    9
    Wonderful entertainment. Refreshing and fun in a world of doom and gloom. I loved it! The story is relavent, down to earth and speaks to today's populations. The stars and costars are delightful and talented. A must see.… Expand
  4. Khunter4382
    Jan 16, 2012
    7
    A pleasure to watch! This film worked for me. It was light, charismatic, and fun. Watching Hanks in this role was entertaining and as you can imagine, nearly all the performances were good and sometimes even great. The film takes itself serious enough without surrendering the laughs and good times. Is it all that original? Not really, but that doesn't matter. What matters most is that this is a fun ride during each character's life changing events.… Expand
  5. TVJerry
    Jul 4, 2011
    6
    Tom Hanks type cast himself as a nice guy (he also directed and co-wrote). After losing his job, he decides to go to college, where he takes a course taught by Julia Roberts. His new life includes a scooter gang, an entertaining group of classmates (the film's strongest moments) and a romance (guess who?). While it's sometimes mildly amusing and sufficiently entertaining, the film is never funny or touching enough to raise it above sweet. Director Hanks has cast it well, but writer Hanks just didn't deliver.… Expand
  6. ThatsLife
    Jul 6, 2011
    5
    The movie started off hot enough, but by the middle I was hoping that I would not run out of popcorn, I needed something to entertaining! The movie is very light hearted and gentle, but nothing really happens! It has it's funny moments, but you won't be rolling around on the ground laughing!… Expand
  7. Ecclesiastes
    Mar 11, 2013
    0
    Some films sacrifice realism for action, or vice versa. This endless, pointless, mindless tripe somehow manages to be both as fanciful and as boring as anything I've ever seen. If you haven't left your house or seen a film in several years, maybe you'll be able to tolerate it. I couldn't.… Expand

See all 33 User Reviews

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