Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, both among Hollywood's highest-grossing actors, joined forces for the second time in Hanks' directorial venture, 'Larry Crowne.'
Despite their stature in the film industry, the duo had only collaborated previously in 'Charlie Wilson's War' (2007). The reunion occurred four years later when Hanks, in his second directorial effort, sought Roberts for 'Larry Crowne: It's Never Too Late' (2011). Unfortunately, what could have been a stellar cinematic collaboration between these luminaries turned out to be a missed opportunity. The film, premiering on September 30 in Spain, unfolds as an enjoyable romantic comedy without transcending into something more significant.
The storyline follows Larry Crowne (Tom Hanks), a middle-aged man terminated from his job due to a lack of university education. Despite facing financial woes and an unaffordable mortgage amid an economic crisis, Larry decides to return to university, where he develops romantic feelings for his attractive professor, Mercedes Tainot (Julia Roberts). The narrative takes an unexpected turn as Larry seeks a fresh start in life.
Pairing two-time Oscar winner Hanks with Roberts, who clinched her statuette in 2000 for 'Erin Brockovich,' should guarantee a successful box office, and indeed, the film earned 39 million euros against a 22-million-euro budget. However, expectations for more substance from this cinematic collaboration are legitimate, as Hanks' second directorial endeavor, 15 years after 'The Wonders' (1996), falls short.
While Hanks' direction is competent, the weak and predictable storyline hampers the overall impact. The co-writer, Nia Vardalos, renowned for 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' (2002), the most profitable film in cinema history, fails to bring her storytelling prowess to the forefront. Vardalos, who also collaborated with Hanks on production, has a minor acting role in the film, providing the voice for a GPS.
In recent years, Hanks has successfully balanced his acting career with executive producer roles in television series like 'From the Earth to the Moon,' 'John Adams,' and 'The Pacific.' 'Larry Crowne: It's Never Too Late' features a cast complemented by Bryan Cranston, Cedric The Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
Despite praises from co-stars, particularly Julia Roberts, for Hanks' ability to seamlessly navigate acting and directing, 'Larry Crowne' stands as a testament to wasted talent and missed opportunities.
