Every now and then, I watch a movie that hits me in a way I wasn’t expecting. Larry Crowne did exactly that. I was up late two nights ago, working on a different writing project — using the word app on my phone. Typing on the keyboard, on my laptop keeps my wife up — so out of respect, I use my phone to write in bed. She always needs the TV on though, she says the background noise helps her sleep — too bad she doesn’t find comfort in my typing. Anyways I was up later than usual. The movie Jessica had put on to sleep was over, and the next movie was starting. I looked over and saw Tom Hanks name all over the credits, so I put my phone down to see what happens. I had never heard of the movie, and I enjoy a lot of Tom Hanks’ movies, so I decided to give it a shot.
It’s not a huge blockbuster or anything crazy dramatic. It’s a simple movie about starting over… and honestly, at this point in my life, that theme hits pretty close to home.
What the Movie’s About (Without Spoilers)
Tom Hanks plays Larry Crowne, a guy who gets fired from his longtime job because he doesn’t have a college degree. Instead of giving up, he decides to go back to community college. There, he makes new friends, learns new things, and slowly pieces his life back together. Along the way, he meets his speech professor (Julia Roberts), who is dealing with her own personal stuff.
It’s not a movie that tries to stress you out. It’s just about a dude trying to get his stuff back together.
It’s honestly, probably one of those movies where if I would have read the little brief information they tell you about each program you’re about to stream — I probably would have skimmed right past it. I do like dramas, they’re never usually my first pick. So it was by chance that it happened to come in, and maybe there is a reason for that.
Why This Movie Hit Me Personally
The part that got me how real Larry’s situation felt. He’s older, trying to start something new, and walking into a school full of people younger than him. And he’s doing it anyway.
And that’s where it connected to me.
I’m about to turn 37, and I’ve decided I’m going back to junior college this spring. I actually went for about a year and half back in 2008, but life happened, and I didn’t finish. So watching a character go back to school, try again, and not be embarrassed about it — it honestly gave me a little motivation I didn’t know I needed.
There’s something comforting about seeing older than the “typical college age” walk into a classroom, and say, “you know what? I’m doing this for me.” I kind of feel the same way.
What I About the Movie
· It’s relatable without trying too hard
No big dramatic monologues. Now forced “life lessons.” Just a guy rebuilding his life one small step at a time.
Tom Hanks is just… Tom Hanks
He makes you root for him. Even when things go wrong, he keeps calm, humbling energy. That’s something I really admired about Tom Hanks character, Larry Crowne
· Julia Roberts adds some real heart
Her character feels honest. She’s frustrated, tired, and trying to figure out her own life too.
· It’s a chill, feel-good movie
Perfect when you do something positive but not cheesy. As I said before, it’s not a movie I would have picked — but I’m glad it came on
Where it Could Be Better
It’s definitely a slow, easy-going movie. If you need a huge plot twist or big emotional moments, this probably won’t be your favorite. But for what it is, it works.
Final Thoughts
I didn’t expect Larry Crowne to make me think about my own life, but it kind of did. Going back to college at my age doesn’t feel so weird after watching it. If anything, it made me feel like I’m heading in the right direction — even if it took me until now to get there.
If you’re into feel-good movies with real life vibes and a message about second chances, it’s definitely worth the watch.
If you would like to check it out, I know currently it’s streaming on Amazon Video.
dougwrites.com 
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