Larry Crowne [Digital]

Tom Hanks' directorial debut is an earnest, feel-good rom-com. His screenplay with Nia Vardalos is smart and a good counter programing to the Summer's popcorn flicks. The premise starts off as a commentary on the economic and employment crisis in America but slowly dissolves into your standard middle-age, boy-meets-girl, rom-com that thankfully does not take itself too seriously. However, the laughs are still smooth, sincere and adult in a non-raunchy way, and this is mostly due to Julia Roberts and him both being ace graduands of Hollywood's school of rom-coms. They have an easy chemistry, and beautifully & effortlessly light up the screen. The supporting cast (esp George Takei) is just as brilliant and quirky and add to the overall enjoyment of this flick. It's cute how the director/writer's spouses (Rita and Ian) have hilarious bit parts in the show!