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Larry Crowne: -9 million out of 7 Golden Slacks
Synopsis (from imdb.com): After losing his job, a middle-aged man reinvents himself by going back to college.
Joe's Take: I've read that one of the worst things in life is wasted talent. Not true. The worst thing in life is the movie Larry Crowne. I know. I just watched it. It is the brainchild of Nia Vardalos, who punished us with a never-ending sea of romantic comedies (and John Corbett), and its lack of human understanding and interaction makes it a study in insanity.
Here are the minutes from the screenplay conference where the script was written (in about 1/2 hour).
Producer: Hanks' character is broke, unemployed, and adrift in loneliness.
Nia: Yes! But then he meets a gorgeous 20-something who befriends him, rearranges his home, his hair, and his priorities!
Producer: Why would she do this? He's twice her age and he's boring and unattractive.
Nia: Because!!!
Producer: So Hanks falls for her, right?
Nia: No!
Producer: Why not? Wouldn't a guy fall in love with a beautiful girl who paid so much attention to him?
Nia: NO! Because!!!
Producer: Who is the bad guy?
Nia: No bad guy! Everyone is earnest, truthful and nice. Just like in life!
Producer: Shouldn't we try to make it funny?
Nia: It is funny. Like in one scene, Hanks' professor confiscates his cell phone! OMG, hilarious!
[producer shoots himself in the face]
Unexpected scene: In a twist ending, it's revealed that Hanks' wife left him because he beat her. After Roberts kisses Hanks in the closing scene, he hits her and sends her into the hospital.