Crazy Stupid Love - C+

On DVD and Blu-ray, PG-13

After his wife Emily (Julianne Moore) springs a divorce request on him, Cal (Steve Carell) moves out and falls into a depression until he meets Jacob (Ryan Gosling) at a bar. Jacob remodels Cal's image and shows him how to be a ladies' man. But the divorcing couple's kids want them back together and they still have feelings for each other. Through an abundance of coincidences and plot contrivances, we end up getting a lesson we didn't ask for about soul mates and true love . . .

The Crazy: Released just 3 months ago, the film is already hopelessly dated with references to the prolificacy of Steve Jobs (who has shuffled off this mortal coil) as well as the stable, unusual marriage of Demi and Ashton (they're divorcing).

The Stupid: The whiplash tonal shifts might be the result of 2 directors (Glenn Ficarra, John Requa) or more likely it's just their style (since it's even worse in their only other directorial effort - I Love You Philip Morris). It's a byproduct of wanting it both ways - heartfelt and hilarious - a tough thing to pull off, to be sure. Since they scripted Bad Santa, there's still some good will left. The many problem is the numerous impossible coincidences, from timely meetings to surprise entrances to unmentioned relationships.The Love: The cast expertly plays the hand they're dealt. Moore gives a great dramatic performance that adds undeserved depth to the film, especially in a phone call about a pilot light to Carell. Gosling is even better since he has to be alternatively charming, sincere, and funny. His comedic banter with Carell is first-rate and he also has great romantic rapport with Emma Stone, playing a character that changes everything.

But they're mostly wasted on a plot that's overcooked and over-thought - and the climactic cringe-inducing school speech will have you looking for the fast forward button. C+