Until he was downsized affable amiable Larry Crowne (Hanks) was a superstar team leader at the big-box company where hes worked since his time in the Navy. Underwater on his mortgage and unclear on what to do with his suddenly free days Larry heads to his local college to start over. There he becomes part of a colorful community of outcasts also-rans and the overlooked all trying to find a better future for themselves...often moving around town in a herd of scooters. In his public-speaking class Larry develops an unexpected crush on his teacher Mercedes Tainot (Roberts) who has lost as much passion for teaching as she has for her husband. The simple guy who has every reason to think his life has stalled will come to learn an unexpected lesson when you think everything worth having has passed you by you just might discover your reason to live.
Review
i can't believe this movie was even made. maybe in a few decades it could be enjoyed for some kind of kitsch value that time can grant some films (like those of ed wood) but i am skeptical of even that. from the dated tom petty songs in the soundtrack to the unbelievable characters and situations the horrible script. it was reminiscent of "The Room" with A list actors. (or until recently Alist actors... or until this was made A list actors...) it was startling to see these capable actors in a film this horrible. i felt stupider as each minute of this movie went by. directorwriteractor tom hanks should stick to acting ("that thing you do" (which he also wrote) was no gem either). nia vardalos (cowriter and "my big fat Greek wedding" writeractor) should maybe just retire.