To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

The last time Tom Hanks directed a film was back in 1996 with the very enjoyable "That Thing You Do." With his latest movie, a romantic comedy called "Larry Crowne," he not only directs, but also co-wrote the script and stars alongside Julia Roberts.

Larry Crowne works in retail sales at a big chain store called U Mart. He's the model employee but he's the victim of corporate downsizing and loses his job because he never attended college.

So after realizing that he's basically unhireable, Larry goes back to school. One of his courses is a public speaking class and it's there that he develops a crush on his teacher, played by Roberts.

Roberts' character is disillusioned with her career, and her marriage is falling apart.

The script, which Hanks wrote with Nia Vardalos, the woman responsible for the highly overrated "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," is sleight, and on many levels unrealistic. After Larry loses his job, things come way to easy for him. There's no real conflict in the movie and not a lot to root for. Once in school, Larry is immediately embraced by a gorgeous girl who also rides a scooter. She makes Larry his pet project and gives him a makeover. This is all well and good, the movie just never tells you why.

The romantic aspect is also unconvincing. There's not a lot of chemistry between Hanks and Roberts here and little in the script to indicate why they should even be a couple.

Roberts is fine here and Hanks is good. Their performances, particularly his, elevate the proceedings. It's just the predicable script and Hanks' lackluster direction that bring things down.

The supporting cast provides a few laughs and it's easy to watch. But it's the kind of film that's more suited to late night viewing on HBO.