It seems as though almost anything that Steve Carell touches turns to gold these days and with good reason: He is a phenomenally versatile actor.
The other stars of this film are no slouches either and I like the fact that none of them are full-time comedy actors and actresses. The film takes on the story that unfortunately has touched so many people's lives at an increasing rate over the years: Divorce.
Cal Weaver (Carell) suddenly finds himself in a divorce situation that he did not expect or see coming. He is completely unprepared to be single and he has absolutely zero game in the singles scene (this is a situation I can personally relate to despite the fact that I am not divorced.) By happenstance, a stranger at the same bar that is witnessing Weaver's failures with the ladies decides to help the guy out. This person is Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling) and he is a very successful womanizer who seems to appeal to just about everyone.
The hilarity ensues during Cal's transformation from clueless Dad to straight-up player. He has no idea how to do this but gradually experiences success with the ladies under the tutelage of Jacob. Jacob teaches him how to dress, how to work out, what to order at a bar and how to talk to women. Of course Cal is terrible at this at first but quickly picks up the ropes and then manages to become a player himself. The transformation was a bit inspiring but then I realized that I can not wear suits here in Thailand because I would die from the heat. As it turns out a well-dressed person who is sweating profusely is even less attractive than someone who is dressed poorly.
[source](http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/mp/2RQK1RGqnjnl.jpg)The main thing i like about this film is that it works on all fronts: The comedy is fun, the dramatic acting is convincing, and the emotion hits you right in the "feels" at just the right moments. The overall story is actually pretty awesome too.
I suppose this could be considered a rom-com but it isn't so over the top and "gushy" and impractical like a lot of those tend to be. I have seen this film a number of times and would definitely be excited about doing so again. It really is that good. That's my opinion and I am sticking to it!
