Nice guys finish last

Tom Hanks’ “Larry Crowne” is a harmless film that will offend no one. This is a
luxury if you don’t mind your films so tepid and tame lest anything more surprise
you.

Hanks directs himself as Larry, a loveable lug who was just fired from his long time
job. This bothers him, slightly, but he immediately aims to get back on his feet by
returning to college.

The film naturally addresses the economic crisis and does so simply and directly.
This is not a difficult film.

And neither are the characters in it. Larry is the nicest guy around, and everyone he
meets is helpful and supportive. One student, Talia, grows an instant affection for
him and his newly acquired moped. She prods Larry into going after his apathetic
speech teacher Mercedes Tainot (Julia Roberts).

One has to admire Hanks’ naturalism and charm, and Julia still has one of
Hollywood’s most winning smiles. They make even the corniest jokes in “Larry
Crowne” at least grin worthy.

And this is “Larry Crowne” in a nutshell, a simple film that concerns a good guy’s
bump in the road that does nothing but make you either smile or roll your eyes.