Running time: 98 min. Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Bryan Cranston, Cedric The Entertainer, Taraji P Henson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Wilmer Valderrama, Pam Grier. Director: Tom Hanks.

Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts are two of the most successful actors of their generation.

So they seem an unlikely choice to play characters who have fallen on hard times in this recession-themed romantic comedy.

Despite the financial gloom as a backdrop, Larry Crowne is an uplifting cinematic trifle garnished with an unwavering belief that it’s never too late to embrace life.

In the case of the titular everyman, he overcomes redundancy by dressing 20 years younger, slicking up his hair, swapping his gas-guzzling car for a scooter and broadening his education. Essentially, he gets down with the kids.

Larry Crowne (Hanks) left school and signed up as a cook with the Navy, serving his country until he secured a job as a team leader at a superstore.

On the day Larry is called to the staff room.

“I’m sorry, we’ve come to a parting of the ways,” says his manager.

Concerned about how he will pay the mortgage, Larry decides to broaden his skills base by enrolling for public speaking and economics classes.

Arriving late on his first day, Larry meets feisty teacher Mercedes Tainot (Roberts), who is stuck in an unfulfilling marriage.

“My high [point of the day? I’m drinking it!” she snarls, downing a rum cocktail to dull the pain.

Larry gains in confidence with encouragement from classmate Talia (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and Lamar (Cedric The Entertainer) and B’Ella (Taraji P Henson).

Eventually, he musters the courage to ask Mercedes to join him on his haphazard journey of self-discovery.

Larry Crowne is a sweet yet very slight portrait of modern times, as seen through the eyes of a man who refuses to be floored by life’s hard knocks.