Stupid, Love (2011 | Crazy,

Crazy, Stupid, Love works because it respects its audience. It gives us the glossy, sexy moments we want (thanks to Gosling’s wardrobe) but grounds them in the messy reality of family life. It features a stacked cast—including a young Analeigh Tipton and a scene-stealing Kevin Bacon—and a script that balances cynicism with earnest optimism.

Spoilers ahead if you haven't seen it!

As Jacob teaches Cal how to rediscover his manhood through a complete makeover and new "pick-up" skills, several other storylines unfold: Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011) - Plot - IMDb crazy, stupid, love (2011

Enter Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), a smooth-talking womanizer who takes Cal under his wing. We’ve seen the "nerd gets cool" storyline a thousand times, but what makes this work is the chemistry between Carell and Gosling. Watching Cal trade his New Balance sneakers for tailored suits and learn the art of "The Big Chill" is hilarious, but it’s the genuine friendship that forms between these two polar opposites that gives the movie its heart. Crazy, Stupid, Love works because it respects its audience

While the movie is undeniably funny, it doesn't shy away from the pain of a marriage ending. Steve Carell and Julianne Moore bring a gravitas to their roles that elevates the film above standard fluff. Spoilers ahead if you haven't seen it