LARRY CROWNE (Rated PG-13)

It’s only fitting that Tom Hanks is the titular character in “Larry Crowne,” seeing how the movie is nearly his own one-man show.

This is so because, in addition to being the star, Hanks is the director, co-producer and co-writer. He is also quite possibly the key grip and lighting technician, but I’m not sure.

“Larry Crowne” is a light comic soufflé, somewhat akin to a television sitcom, possibly as a result of script collaboration with co-writer Nia Vardalos, of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” fame.

For a story that involves its central character getting cashiered from his middle-level management post at a big-box store, “Larry Crowne” is surprisingly upbeat and almost cheerful in the face of such adversity.

Of course, Tom Hanks is always suited to the role of an Everyman, in this case one middle-aged Larry Crowne, recently divorced and one missed mortgage payment away from foreclosure.

On a sunny morning at a bland suburban location, Larry shows up for work as his usual chirpy self, expecting that he may likely be once again the company’s employee of the month.

To his shock and dismay, Larry learns that his bosses have decided to fire him because he lacks a college education. His service in the U.S. Navy just doesn’t cut it in the big-box retailing world.

After a fruitless search for a new job, Larry decides to enroll at the local community college. The economics class is taught by a weird professor (George Takei in a truly wacky, funny performance).

The far more challenging class is the one on public speaking, taught by the nonchalant Mercedes Tainot (Julia Roberts), who has a less than positive attitude about her job and her pupils.

For obvious reasons, the story gets caught up in the tawdry details of Mercedes’ personal life. If only for the moment, the professor is stuck in a crumbling marriage.

Coming home from another day of educational drudgery, Mercedes finds that her husband (Bryan Cranston), once a respected author, is more interested in spending time on the Internet in search of porn.

Meanwhile, as his financial situation deteriorates, Larry shuns his SUV in favor of a motor scooter to commute to school. This leads him to fall in with a group of like-minded scooter enthusiasts.

The affable Larry is soon caught up in a flirtatious relationship with pretty, spirited Talia (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), leader of the motorbike crew, much to the dismay of her jealous boyfriend Dell (Wilmer Valderrama).

In relatively short order, Talia brings a much-needed makeover to the staid Larry, changing his entire wardrobe, bringing feng shui to his house and renaming him with the hipster moniker of “Lance Corona.”

While this innocent flirtation between Larry and Talia is diverting, the real chemistry heats up when Mercedes takes greater notice of her best student.

It all begins in a moment of weakness after Mercedes has had one too many drinks. Seeking to cope with myriad problems, the hard-drinking professor has an affinity for margaritas and a sudden hankering for her mature pupil.

Henceforth, the storyline of “Larry Crowne” inhabits a rather obvious direction that one would expect from an easily predictable romantic comedy.

Though “Larry Crowne” is a modest confection, it is one that is entirely satisfying because the amiable Hanks and the charismatic Roberts are eminently watchable and enjoyable together.

DVD RELEASE UPDATE

I’ve mentioned it before that the detective TV series “Mannix” was always one of the best shows of its genre.

The release of “Mannix: Season Five” is further proof that my assessment stands the test of time. Mike Connors, in the role of the hard-boiled and gritty private eye, continued to succeed in bringing excitement to his role of Joe Mannix.

“Mannix: Season Five” includes all 24 action-packed episodes. So far, I have watched about a half-dozen of the episodes, and I can say they are as good as any from the previous four seasons.

Like many TV detectives, Mannix defied the rules and regulations and was able to handle all the fist fights, high-speed car chases and bullet wounds that came his way.

Yet, Mike Connors was unlike many of his peers, because he truly delivered the goods in great style. “Mannix: Season Five” is a must for those who love the adventures of a tough and cynical private investigator.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.