Movie Review: "Larry Crowne"

Seen on: July 1, 2011

The players: Director: Tom Hanks, Writers: Tom Hanks, Nia Vardalos Cast: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Rob Riggle, Sarah Mahoney

Fact of interest: Nia Vardalos appears in the film as the voice of Julia Roberts' GPS.

The plot: Retail salesman Larry Crowne (Hanks) is forced to reinvent himself by going back to college after being laid off.

Our thoughts: "Larry Crowne" is possibly the first mainstream film released dealing with effects of our economic downturn and what happens to the thousands of individuals who have been laid off as a result of it. Coming off the heels of critical darlings like "Up in the Air" and "Company of Men," which deal with the same material in very dramatic and serious ways, "Larry Crowne" has the particular challenge of presenting rather dark material in a wide-audience, family-friendly way.

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Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep to star in 'August'

Actresses Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep are headed to the big screen together for John Wells' adaptation of Tracy Letts' Pulitzer-winning play "August: Osage County." Letts wrote the screenplay.

THR says the story centers on a family's life after the death of its patriarch. Streep will play the widow/mother, and Roberts stars as the eldest daughter, whose husband had an affair with a student.

Sounds like quite the drama. Roberts last starred in "Eat Pray Love," while Streep last appeared in "It's Complicated." Wells, who will be directing "August," has "The Company Men" coming soon.

Sly's 'Expendables' beats Julia Roberts at box office

We kind of knew this would happen after seeing rough estimates last night, but Sylvester Stallone's action-packed "The Expendables" defeated Julia Roberts at the North American box office Friday.

"Expendables" bagged about $13.2 million in ticket sales, according to estimates reported by Deadline. That's certainly not a bad result for Stallone's silly movie that features a big cast blowing up stuff.

At No. 2, Ryan Murphy's "Eat Pray Love" started a tad slower, earning about $8.5 million Friday. It's playing at a little less theaters than Sly's flick (3,082 compared to 3,270), but it will still perform well.

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Looks like 'Expendables' wins Friday box office

The very first box office estimates are in, and it looks like Sylvester Stallone's new action flick "The Expendables" took the lead with around $13 million from 3,270 sites. That's quite a strong debut.

Julia Roberts' new flick "Eat Pray Love" finished second with $9.8 million, which could result in a $28 million weekend. Edgar Wright's "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" had a slower start with $5.2 million at No. 4.

Meanwhile, "The Other Guys" performed well enough with $5.5 million in third place. "Inception" took $3.4 million, enough for No. 5. Check back for the full estimates and details tomorrow. (Source: Deadline)

Exclusive 'Eat Pray Love' behind-the-scenes look

Julia Roberts' next big movie is Ryan Murphy's anticipated drama "Eat Pray Love," the big-screen adaptation of the popular Elizabeth Gilbert novel. The film is set for release this weekend.

Below, you can take a look at our exclusive behind-the-scenes look from the film. It includes interview bits from Julia Roberts, Murphy, Bardem and Richard Jenkins, as well as some production footage. Enjoy.

Of course, the story follows a married woman who sets out to discover herself after realizing the life she's leading is not really the life she wants. I have not read the book, but I hear it's quite the charmer.

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Trailer for 'Eat Pray Love' has arrived

Julia Roberts' next big movie is Ryan Murphy's "Eat Pray Love," the big-screen adaptation of the popular Elizabeth Gilbert novel. The film is set for release Aug. 13, 2010, and the first trailer has landed online. Check it out after the jump, and enjoy what looks to be a film driven by its superb cast. James Franco, Viola Davis, Javier Bardem, Richard Jenkins and Billy Crudup co-star. Do I really need to say more?

Of course, the story follows a married woman who sets out to discover herself after realizing the life she's leading is not really the life she wants. I have not read the book, so this trailer gives me a first look at what exactly Roberts' character is up to. Looks like a traditional quest story, even though I admit I feel the film could be quite enjoyable. Let's not forget Ryan Murphy, creator of "Nip/Tuck" and "Glee," helmed it.

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'Valentine's Day' gets new trailer & poster

Garry Marshall's new romantic comedy "Valentine's Day" will open in theaters Feb. 12, 2010, and a brand-new poster and trailer have recently hit the Web. You can check out both of them below.

The story follows 10 Los Angeles people whose lives intersect on Valentine's Day. Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Garner, Bradley Cooper and Shirley MacLaine star.

But wait! They are joined by Ashton Kutcher, Topher Grace, Emma Roberts, Patrick Dempsey, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah and Carter Jenkins. This truly is a film with an all-star cast, that's for sure.

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'Valentine's Day' trailer debuts with all-star cast!

Are you ready for the next "Valentine's Day"? If you plan to take your date to a movie that weekend, why not try Garry Marshall's new romantic comedy, which debuts Feb. 12, 2010 and features an all-star cast?

A teaser for the romance has debuted online, and while it doesn't give us much story, it obviously puts big emphasis on all the big names it features. It's a goal this preview reaches successfully.

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Viola Davis may join Roberts in 'Eat, Pray, Love'

Oscar-nominated actress Viola Davis is in talks to star alongside Julia Roberts and Richard Jenkins in Ryan Murphy's upcoming "Eat, Pray, Love."

Based on the memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, the story follows a married woman (Roberts) who sets out to discover herself after realizing the life she's leading is not really the life she wants.

The Hollywood Reporter says Davis would play Delia, the main character's best friend. Jenkins is set to play a Texan whom she will encounter on her trip as well. At one stage, Javier Bardem was also attached to star.

Davis recently scored an Oscar nomination for her strong performance in "Doubt." Some of her other credits include "Nights in Rodanthe," "State of Play" and "Madea Goes to Jail."

Topher Grace, Emma Roberts board 'Valentine's Day'

Topher Grace, Emma Roberts and Hector Elizondo have joined Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Garner, Shirley MacLaine, Bradley Cooper and Ashton Kutcher in "Valentine's Day."

Directed by Gary Marshall ("The Princess Diaries," "Runaway Bride") from a script by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein, the film follows 10 Los Angeles people whose lives intersect on Valentine's Day.

The Hollywood Reporter says Grace plays a mailroom worker who dates Hathaway's character. Roberts is on-board as a teenager trying to sleep with her boyfriend. Elizondo plays MacLaine's husband.

Wow, what a cast! Roberts recenty starred in "Hotel for Dogs." As for Grace, the "That '70s Show" alumnus will soon be seen in "Young Americans." Hector Elizondo's credits include "Chicago Hope," "Monk" and "The Princess Diaries" series.