Big name stars can't help to save this wishy-washy routine film. The story which was directed, co-written, produced by Tom Hanks, and stars Tom Hanks, strives too hard to get out. The film spends too much time on sub-plots, and not enough on character chemistry. I found very little spark and believability.
The films perception is focused around social issues ( our great recession). Larry (Hanks) is a dedicated retail worker fired because he doesn't have a college degree, so his optimism leads him to enroll in community college. Well, the teacher just happens to be Julia Roberts, who has her own marital problems. She's married to an internet porn addict. Other life changing events happen to Larry, such as replacing his gas guzzling SUV with a scooter.
C ( 2 stars)
Jack
BTW...being your own boss you can cast who ever you desire. Hank's wife (Rita Wilson) and son is in the film, as well as Meryl Streep's daughter. Oh yea, Cedric the Entertainer lives next door to Larry, before his house is foreclosed.