Larry Crowne

Larry Crowne

Year: 2011

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Budget: $30M

DramaComedy

After losing his job at a big-box retail company, Larry Crowne enrolls in community college seeking a fresh start. There, he meets an inspiring teacher, Mercedes, and a diverse group of students, all navigating their own challenges. As Larry rediscovers his potential and builds connections, he learns valuable lessons about life, love, and the possibility of pursuing dreams at any age.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Larry Crowne (2011)

Trace every key event in Larry Crowne (2011) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Larry loses his job

Larry Crowne, a middle-aged Navy veteran, faces a shocking moment as he is dismissed from his job at a big-box store. Despite his extensive experience and dedication, his lack of a college education ultimately leads to his termination, leaving him adrift and uncertain about his future.

Big-box store
2

Divorce and solitude

Following his job loss, Larry navigates the emotional aftermath of his recent divorce, which has left him living in solitude. Struggling for connection and purpose, he finds himself at a crossroads, facing the risk of losing his home while searching for new employment.

3

Neighbor's encouragement

Larry's neighbor, Lamar, steps in to provide encouragement, suggesting that he enroll at East Valley Community College. This pivotal advice leads Larry to consider education as a pathway to a brighter future despite his financial constraints.

East Valley Community College
4

Larry buys a scooter

To save on transportation costs after losing his job, Larry decides to buy a scooter from his neighbor Lamar. This choice marks a significant shift in Larry's lifestyle as he adapts to new surroundings and a community full of aspiring students.

5

Embracing college life

As Larry adjusts to college life, he joins a diverse group of students keen on improving their lives. A playful classmate, Talia, affectionately nicknames him 'Lance Corona,' symbolizing his gradual acceptance into the lively campus environment.

East Valley Community College
6

Larry's academic pursuits

Larry enrolls in classes, including public speaking taught by Mercedes Tainot and economics led by Dr. Ed Matsutani. He struggles initially with public speaking, but excels in economics, demonstrating his insightful grasp of the subject matter in class discussions.

7

Mercedes' personal struggles

Mercedes Tainot, Larry's public speaking instructor, battles her own issues stemming from a disappointing marriage to Dean. She often resorts to heavy drinking at home, adding complexity to her character as she juggles teaching and her troubled personal life.

8

A pivotal encounter

After a heated argument with her husband, Mercedes finds herself alone at a bus stop, where Larry, along with his scooter gang, offers her a ride home. During this unexpected encounter, they witness Dean being arrested, adding drama to their budding connection.

Bus stop
9

An unexpected kiss

Upon arriving at Mercedes' home, a surprising moment occurs when she invites Larry to share a kiss. However, Larry, respecting Mercedes' vulnerability, chooses to decline further intimacy, showcasing his honorable character amidst emotional turmoil.

Mercedes' home
10

Larry faces foreclosure

As Larry confronts the real possibility of losing his home, he applies the economic strategies he learned in class to navigate a potential foreclosure crisis. This turning point emphasizes his commitment to practical solutions in the face of adversity.

11

A misunderstanding arises

Mercedes misinterprets Larry's friendship with Talia, believing he is romantically involved with her. This misconception leaves Larry disheartened, redirecting his focus back to his studies and new job opportunities as he tries to clear the air.

12

Finals and major speech presentation

With finals approaching, Larry prepares for his crucial speech presentation. He confidently delivers a heartfelt talk that combines his Navy experiences with relatable themes, earning applause from fellow students and an A-plus from Mercedes, which reignites her passion for teaching.

13

Larry's diner visit

Mercedes visits Larry at the diner where he works, commending him on his progress as a student. This meeting deepens their mutual respect and admiration, setting the stage for future developments in their relationship.

Diner
14

New beginnings

As the next term begins, Larry decides to enroll in another economics course, while former students of Mercedes sign up for her Shakespeare class. This signifies a fresh start for both Larry and Mercedes as they move forward in their lives.

East Valley Community College
15

Invitation for French toast

In a charming twist, Larry invites Mercedes over for homemade French toast at his new apartment, which symbolizes the new direction in both their lives. When she arrives, they share a tender kiss, signaling the beginning of a hopeful romantic relationship.

Larry's apartment

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:25

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about hopeful midlife reinvention like Larry Crowne

Stories of characters starting over later in life with optimism and heart.If you enjoyed Larry Crowne's story of starting over, you'll like these movies about characters finding a second chance later in life. These are gentle, uplifting stories focused on personal growth, new beginnings, and hopeful outcomes, often set in everyday worlds.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with a protagonist at a low point, often due to an external event that forces change. The story follows their linear, steady progression as they take small steps—like enrolling in school, starting a new hobby, or forming new friendships—to rediscover their purpose and build a more fulfilling life.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a core theme of optimistic renewal. They feature low-intensity, character-driven plots with a steady pace, focusing on manageable struggles that lead to positive transformations and a happy, satisfying conclusion.

Movies with gentle classroom connections like Larry Crowne

Where an educational setting fosters personal growth and meaningful relationships.Looking for movies like Larry Crowne that explore the transformative power of a classroom? These films feature inspiring teachers, diverse students, and a warm atmosphere where education leads to personal breakthroughs and platonic or romantic connections.

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Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around a central educational environment that brings together a diverse cast of characters. Through shared experiences in class and informal interactions, characters overcome individual challenges, form supportive friendships, and often help each other find new direction in life.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific setting and dynamic: the classroom as a microcosm for hope. They possess a warm, optimistic atmosphere, a steady pacing focused on character development, and a light emotional weight, avoiding high-stakes drama in favor of heartfelt, relatable journeys.

Unlock the Full Story of Larry Crowne

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Larry Crowne Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Larry Crowne, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Larry Crowne Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Larry Crowne

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Larry Crowne. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Larry Crowne

Larry Crowne Spoiler-Free Summary

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Larry Crowne Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Larry Crowne

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