When Emily (Julianne Moore) asks Cal (Steve Carell) for a divorce he is completely blindsided. Oblivious to the fact that he has lost his sense of self it takes new friend Jacob (Ryan Gosling) to open his eyes to a new found self respect. 

Crazy, Stupid, Love is a romantic comedy that starts with the negative aspects of relationships and finds a way to reinforce that love is a many splendored thing. The fact that it is hilariously funny as it navigates this makes it a real gem. 

The plot lines focus on love triangles. Cal still loves his wife Emily. Their babysitter Jessica (Leo Tipton) loves Cal. Their son Robbie (Jonah Bobo) loves his babysitter Jessica. Emily has had an affair with a co-worker called David Lindhagen. After Cal finds himself again he has a flirtation with Kate (Marisa Tomei), who unbeknownst to him is his son’s teacher. Whilst Jacob behaves like a player until he meets Hannah (Emma Stone) who is in a dull relationship with Richard (Josh Groban). Misunderstandings and awkward moments are rife in amongst grand gestures of love. 

The core of what makes it so special is the interplay and comic timing of Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling. Their scenes together are an absolute delight as Jacob takes pity on Cal, gives him a makeover and then coaches him on how to speak to women. Whether giving advice on shopping in the Gap or simply giving advice in the gym changing room the two are a riot together. 

Carell is superb at underlining that no matter what he learns from Cal his heart is still with Emily and in the end it is Jacob who learns the most from Cal. Meanwhile, Gosling and Stone’s chemistry could possibly power a city grid. Something that has seen them cast as lovers since two more times in Gangster Squad and La La Land. 

A superb rom-com that emphasises that love is not as simple as the movies make it. You have to fight for your soul mate and continually keep sight of that.