Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Cal Weaver is living the American dream. He has a good job, a beautiful house, great children and a beautiful wife, named Emily. Cal's seemingly perfect life unravels, however, when he learns that Emily has been unfaithful and wants a divorce. Over 40 and suddenly single, Cal is adrift in the fickle world of dating. Enter, Jacob Palmer, a self-styled player who takes Cal under his wing and teaches him how to be a hit with the ladies.
Details
Budget
$50,000,000
Rating
7/10 (8671 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Warner Bros. Pictures
About Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Released in 2011, "Crazy, Stupid, Love." is a romantic comedy-drama exploring themes of marriage crisis, midlife crisis, and modern relationships. The story centers on Cal Weaver, whose seemingly stable life is upended when his wife, Emily, asks for a divorce. Suddenly single in his 40s, Cal receives an education in dating from the younger, self-assured Jacob Palmer.
The film navigates various romantic entanglements and offers a look at different stages of love, from teenage affection to long-term marriage. It blends comedic moments with dramatic elements, touching on friendship and the complexities of love affairs. The narrative is set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, California, with characters grappling with divorce and the search for connection.
With a runtime of 118 minutes, the movie combines elements of romance and comedy with a dramatic core. Its exploration of relationships, including the concept of soulmates and the challenges of divorce, positions it within the contemporary romantic comedy genre, while also delving into deeper character development and emotional arcs.
Why you might be searching for Crazy, Stupid, Love.
People are often searching for this film due to its blend of comedy and drama centered around a midlife divorce and subsequent dating experiences. The various interconnected romantic storylines, unexpected plot developments, and the dynamic between the main characters are frequently topics of interest. Specific searches might also involve its depiction of a man learning to navigate single life after a long marriage.
What reviewers are saying
One viewer found the film to be a good comedy that, despite following typical narrative structures, incorporated fresh and unexpected twists.
Read the full reviewA reviewer noted that the film generated contradictory feelings due to inconsistent values, particularly in its portrayal of relationships, but appreciated the unique friendship dynamic between the main characters and surprising plot points.
Read the full reviewAnother audience member expressed a strong liking for the movie, finding it highly entertaining and relatable to their own breakup experiences, excluding the specific detail about a babysitter.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Crazy, Stupid, Love." on HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel, Netflix, and Prime Video. It's also available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. If you prefer physical media, you can buy it on DVD or Blu-ray.
While not a true story, screenwriter Dan Fogelman began writing "Crazy, Stupid, Love." in 2009 based on his own experiences with love among a group of people. He wrote the script with Steve Carell in mind for the lead role.
At Robbie's eighth-grade graduation, Cal interrupts Robbie's pessimistic speech about love to share his own courtship with Emily, expressing that he will never give up on her. This renews Robbie's faith, and he reaffirms his love for Jessica. After the ceremony, Cal gives his blessing to Jacob and Hannah's relationship, and Jessica gives Robbie nude photos for emotional support. The movie ends with Cal and Emily talking, and Robbie smiling optimistically.
"Crazy, Stupid, Love." received generally positive reviews from critics and was a box office success, grossing over $145 million worldwide. Reviewers like Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly gave it an "A," calling it an "enchanting light comedy of romantic confusion" that "understands love because it understands pain."