In the opening scene of “Crazy, Stupid, Love”, Cal Weaver is shocked when his wife, Emily, announces that she wants a divorce. The movie centres on Cal’s attempts, guided by pickup artist Jacob Palmer, to regain his manhood and win back Emily’s love.
Love does not leave the other characters unscathed. Cal’s son Robbie is infatuated with his sister’s babysitter Jessica, and Jessica has a crush on Cal. In yet another crazy turn of events playboy Jacob finds himself in love. All of these relationships connect in a somewhat dizzying, yet satisfying, penultimate scene.
The movie does not have an exceptional plot, but the excellent cast makes for an entertaining watch. Steve Carrell acts brilliantly as dull and introverted Cal who is in love with Emily. Ryan Gossling, acting as Jacob, adds a comic touch with his witty pickup lines.
I don’t agree with one of the movie’s tenets: that everyone has one true soulmate. I think that more effort needs to be put into cultivating a loving relationship than in fruitlessly searching for or trying to woo a “perfect partner”.
Most of Jacob’s tips turn out to be unnecessary. But his main ideal of ‘fighting back’ instead of ‘giving up’, a central theme in the movie, eventually helps Cal reunite with Emily and sends a fantastic message to viewers.
