Steve Carell, like his character Cal Weaver, I find boringly funny. Actually, in CSL he is so boring his wife Emily (wasted Julianne Moore), over dinner, ask for a divorce. As boring as he is his wardrobe and etiquette is worse. That is, until he meets Jacob (a very cool Ryan Gosling, with ample scenes to show off his body)


The script sets-up numerous characters and relationship sequences. You may need a score card to follow, so I'll help you out:

Jacob (Gosling) takes it upon himself (why---to continue the plot) to turn Cal (Carell) into a women's man.

Cal's 13 year-old son Robbie (Jonah Bobo) has the hot's for the babysetter (very good Analeigh Tipton)

In turn, the 17 year-old babysetter has the hot's for 42 year-old Cal (Carell)

Kate (Marisa Tomei in one scene stealing part) as Cal's sons teacher has the hot's for Cal (Carell)

David (Kevin Bacon in a misplaced role) has the hot's for Cal's wife Emily (Moore)

And Hannah (Emma Stone, with references to "Easy A") will turn cool womanizer Jacob (Gosling) into a softy. But she must first be disappointed from Josh Groban (yea the recording guy)


In truth, once the story is set-up...about the second reel...I began to laugh, laugh, laugh.....as the dialogue became very clever. But eventually overplays itself with a ridiculous twist, and an ending that doesn't seem to know when to end. Slightly above your typical Hollywood screwball comedy's.


B (3 Stars)


Jack