OK for kids 14+
Heartfelt dramedy has strong story and characters.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this affecting, refreshing dramedy about a man re-entering the dating life after decades and finding himself in the process deals head-on with some mature subjects, including infidelity and the art of seduction. Plenty of scenes show a guy teaching another how to pick up women and then actually doing so. That said, the actual sex scenes, which involve no nudity beyond a guy taking his shirt off and clothed couples kissing and straddling each other, are fairly tame. There's also a fair bit of social drinking and swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t"), and a teen character takes risqué pictures of herself.
- Families can talk about how the movie portrays marriage problems. Is it realistic or "Hollywoodized"? How do problems between spouses affect a family?
- Why is Jacob's seduction formula so successful? Does the movie glamorize this, or is it making a statement about such trickery?
- A teen character takes some racy pictures of herself. What are the real-life consequences of that kind of action? Parents, talk to your kids about sexting and other potentially inappropriate behavior.
The good stuff
-
Messages: The movie's key message is that relationships are living, breathing things that require tending to thrive. Also, you need to take care of yourself first before you can truly care for others.
-
Role models: Though they're very different, Cal and Jacob form a deep friendship and are loyal to each other.
What to watch for
-
Violence: A man lunges at his friend and attempts to knock him down; he's oblivious to the chaos that ensues.
-
Sex: Couples are shown flirting, kissing, straddling each other (no nudity), making out heavily in bed, and discussing how they'll have sex. Some couplings are played for laughs. A teenager takes risqué pictures of herself to print and give to someone else.
-
Language: A fair amount of crass language and swearing, including "s--t," one "f--k," "ball sack," "a--hole," "bang," "d--k," "crap," "hell," "damn," and "oh my God."
-
Consumerism: Some logos/brands are name-dropped or shown onscreen, including Google, AMC, Borders, Sbarro, and Macy's. One character believes that it's important to dress well and invest in luxury products to feel good about yourself (or at least help you get there).
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Lots of social drinking at bars and restaurants, sometimes to buzzy excess; one character emboldens herself by drinking before hitting on a guy.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Crazy Stupid Love: B+ by MattH306
Great cast. A few flaws but worth seeing.
5
Wow! As Good as it Gets! by ebenoff
I'm pretty critical when it comes to movies and I must say this is the best production I have seen in a long, long time. It is American Beauty on comedic steroids. Every attribute of human emotion is twisted and turned in this magically composed film. Firget about your typicall american made romantic comedy as this film has redefined the way in which romantic comedies will be made in the future. Be ready... be ready to be impressed!
5
Crazy, Stupid, Love review by CoyBoy
Funny, witty, and ryan gosling is yummy. I loved it!
5
Unexpected by Bethany_Bell22
I thought that this movie would be like so many other chick flicks. I am happy to report that it is far from what I expected. I for sure Must Go!
4
Crazy Stupid Love by carog424
The movie was a little slow to start but when it did it was funny and touching with some surprizing twists. Over all it was a cute movie.
3
good but not great by browningsm
Crazy, Stupid, Love is good but not great, I'd say. Has some cute, funny, poignant moments. Gosling is good at anything he does, carrell good choice for role, not crazy about emma stone. she's better when she's a little chubbier. marisa tomei is always a hit in anything she does. she's gorgeous and funny and glad she had a role in this one. overall good with some comedic moments but not great.
4
Not quite Love, Actually by entropicangel42
For some reason this romantic comedy fell short of awesome for me, despite an outstanding cast and some great writing. Moments of inspiration follow some painful application of cliches, but all-in-all I enjoyed this multi-generational, ensemble look at relationships.
5
Crazy, Stupid, Love review by BREHZZZ
I loved it. The movie took me to a totally unexpected and marvelous place. The movie is superb an nothing like you might expect. You'll feel amazing after watching it. MUST SEE.
5
Crazy, Stupid, Love review by Punk_Kanellis
Stunning. I just saw Crazy, Stupid, Love. It was kind of like coming off a roller coaster. Full of entertainment and suprises. With a star-studded cast, no wonder it was so good! (Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Steve Carell) Emma Stone was so good in this movie. She acted like her usual self, which is good but she was also hilarious at the same time. Ryan Gosling was hooottt! (As always.) But, he always seems to be. He was funny, too. Julianne Moore was sort of the serious part of the movie. Eh
I could of lived without her. But, Steve Carell? He made the movie! Just like usual, he made me laugh so hard! I literally don?t think I?ve laughed like that ever in a movie. If I was you, I?d see it. Two words: tiny schvantz.