Movies like Crazy Stupid Love, due in theaters on July 29, 2011, make me nervous, especially when I take a liking for the trailer. 99 percent of the time they simply cannot replicate the two and a half minute euphoria they achieved in the trailer, but, as I with Warrior, I’m giving this movie the benefit of the doubt based solely on the cast. Steve Carell (Dinner for Schmucks), Ryan Gosling (Blue Valentine), Julianne Moore (The Kids Are Alright), Emma Stone (Easy A) and Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler) are a talented bunch and I especially like the pairing of funnyman Carell with the more serious Gosling.

Crazy Stupid Love follows Cal Weaver (Carell), a guy with a great wife (Moore), great kids, great house and great job. He’s basically living the American dream. This all comes crashing down when his wife of 25 years, Emily, admits to having an affair and asks for a divorce. All of the sudden, Cal faces the harsh realities of being a single, 40-something, recent divorcee, and he discovers mingling and dating isn’t as easy as it once was. Enter Jacob Palmer (Gosling), a smooth, handsome ladies man who takes Cal as his wingman and shows him the ropes. But despite the duo’s bravado, they both have hearts and both seem to be headed towards true love – Palmer with Hannah (Stone), and Weaver with his ex-wife, Emily.

This romantic comedy could be trite and cliché and completely lame. The story definitely dips its toes in some treacherous moviemaking waters, but this could and should succeed if the acting is top notch and the story and performances are injected with truth and heart. Here’s to hoping directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (I Love You, Phillip Morris) are able to accomplish this – sad to say – unlikely feat.

Take a peek at the trailer and give me your thoughts.