Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

After his wife asks for a divorce, Cal (Steve Carell) sits alone in a bar every night, telling anyone who listens about his marriage. Jacob (Ryan Gosling), a smooth regular who leaves with a different woman every night, can’t watch it any longer and decides to rebuild him from scratch.

The makeover

Jacob throws out Cal’s sneakers and baggy jeans, takes him shopping and teaches him how to talk to women: ask about her, listen, stop talking about your problems. Cal starts approaching women in the bar and, to his own surprise, it works. The scenes are a near-perfect picture of how a pickup mentor works with a student.

The twist

Jacob, the player, finally meets Hannah (Emma Stone), a woman who isn’t impressed by his routine, and falls for her for real. Meanwhile Cal realises that the success with other women doesn’t fill the gap his wife left.

What you can learn

• Style is a skill. Clothes that fit change how you stand and how people treat you.
• Stop complaining, start asking. Self-pity is the opposite of attraction; curiosity about her is the shortcut.
• Game opens doors, honesty keeps them open. Both men end up winning with sincerity.

Verdict

Funny, warm and full of practical lessons. Jacob’s bar scenes alone are worth it.