From honing his comedic chops in "Crazy, Stupid, Love" to his super-dramatic and largely silent turn in the indie thriller "Drive," Ryan Gosling owned this year. The only people who seemed to disagree were the editors at People Magazine.
Instead of choosing the charming Gosling for the title of "Sexiest Man Alive," people opted for Bradley Cooper and there was certainly some backlash against their decision.
Protestors wearing Ryan Gosling masks gathered outside the People offices in opposition to the decision. According to Gawker, their battle cry was " Bradley Cooper is just fine, but Ryan Gosling is divine."
The debate even had George Clooney weighing in in support of Gosling, his "Ides of March" costar.
This weekend, SUB presents "Crazy, Stupid, Love," which makes it that much easier for students to check out Gosling at his most attractive and determine whether or not he deserved the title.
In the film, Gosling plays Jacob Palmer, a womanizer who befriends recent divorcee Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) after he watches him moping at the same bar night after night.
Cal had recently discovered that his wife Emily (Julianne Moore) cheated on him with a coworker, David Lindhagen (Kevin Bacon).
Jacob takes Cal shopping for younger looking clothes, brings him to the gym and helps him learn the smoothest ways to pick up women.
Cal uses his awkward appeal to woo Kate (Marisa Tomei). Tomei shines in some of the most bizarre scenes of the film and is perfect as the slightly unstable Kate.
In the meantime Jacob meets Hannah (Emma Stone), who he describes as "a game changer." Though Hannah initially rejected his advances, they begin seeing each other and Jacob begins to spend less and less time with Cal.
"Crazy, Stupid, Love" isn't a completely stereotypical romantic comedy. In fact, it truly takes you by surprise at several different points.
Each member of the star-studded cast carries their weight and none fall flat or seem useless to the plot. The clear standout, however, is Gosling. His portrayal of Jacob is the reason women believe they can change the bad boy. He's charming and smart, but in a mysterious and reserved way.
Catch Gosling in "Crazy, Stupid Love" this Thursday, Friday and Saturday in DeBartolo 101.
