Personally, the title of this film says it all. Love is crazy and can make you take risks some of which will make you look stupid. If you don’t agree, then my friend, you haven’t been in love. Cal, played by Steve Carell, has been married for over 25 years and to him it’s a pretty good gig or so he thinks. But life can throw you curve balls. Julianne Moore as Emily, Cal’s wife, is going through a mid-life crisis. To her life has become stale. And so Cal and Emily embark on a journey of self discovery . . . just not together. The poor guy is blindsided. He thought it was still a good marriage. It’s just too much for our dear protagonist. So he does what most decent guys would do, he moves out, sulks, finds himself the nearest bar and starts to spend time there every night. Cal is pathetic. He is pathetic to watch especially for Jacob (Ryan Gosling). Jacob is a bon vivant, playboy who also frequents the same bar. The difference is Jacob hooks up night after night. He’s suave and oh so hot and sexy. After hearing Cal’s sob story a few times from a distance, a surprising project/friendship begins. In no time sad sack Cal has mastered the art of the hook up from my new boyfriend, oh sorry, I mean Jacob. On the other hand, just as Cal is going strong with his game, Jacob has a change of heart or let’s just say he meets a game changer. You know, the grass is always greener. The married, settled guy wants to learn from the playboy and deep down the playboy would really like to settle down. 

The twists and turns that occur within the different relationships in the film will catch you by surprise. There are some very funny and cute side stories that help give more life to this movie. Kevin Bacon as the “other man” is sexy and adorable but you just know you don’t want him to end up with the girl or wife as it may be. Marisa Tomei as one of Cal’s one night stands does a great job with her role . . . funny, funny stuff. There is also the sweet puppy love that Robbie (Jonah Bobo), the 13 (going on 30) year old son has for his babysitter Jessica (Analeigh Tipton). Then there’s Nana. It’s important for Cal and Emily that Nana’s feelings are taken into account regarding the possible divorce. But people, Nana’s character is a twist all itself.

The most important thing to remember is love is worth fighting for. With so many so called romantic comedies out there about one night stands, friends with benefits and such, where’s the real romance? This truly is a romantic comedy. A husband, a wife, and a family in situations where love must prevail. Go see this movie for a good laugh, for its witty repartee, for Gosling’s style and hotness, but more importantly, go see it because you believe in love.