Tom Hanks Gives Refund To Couple That Didn't Like Larry Crowne

It's a fairly well established fact that Tom Hanks is one of the nicest guys in Hollywood. In addition to being the current generation's Jimmy Stewart on screen, the guy has a proven track record of treating both fans and press with the utmost respect and kindness. That said, you'd think there would have to be a line somewhere. There has to be a certain button that, if you push it, Hanks will lose his temper and lash out. If you think that button is telling him you don't like his movies, you're dead wrong.

The National Enquirer, via The Guardian, reports that two fans recently approached Hanks as he was filling up his car at the local gas station and engaged him in conversation. After telling him that they recently saw Larry Crowne, Hanks' newest film that he also wrote and directed, the actor asked the couple for their opinion about the movie. After they both said that they weren't really fans of the film, Hanks reached into his pocket and pulled out $25 to give to the couple. After initially refusing, they eventually took the money and while getting into his car Hanks said, “We’ll do a better job> next time!”

While I'd love to believe this story - as it would add to Hanks' incredible reputation - I do have my doubts. The National Enquirer isn't exactly the most reliable publication out there and what kind of couple would approach Tom Hanks to tell him that they didn't like his most recent movie? Also, does the story mean that the couple went to the publication with the story after the encounter? Something about this smells really fishy. Either way, Hanks better start keeping a lot of cash with him in case this story spreads.

Eric Eisenberg
Assistant Managing Editor

Eric Eisenberg is the Assistant Managing Editor at CinemaBlend. After graduating Boston University and earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism, he took a part-time job as a staff writer for CinemaBlend, and after six months was offered the opportunity to move to Los Angeles and take on a newly created West Coast Editor position. Over a decade later, he's continuing to advance his interests and expertise. In addition to conducting filmmaker interviews and contributing to the news and feature content of the site, Eric also oversees the Movie Reviews section, writes the the weekend box office report (published Sundays), and is the site's resident Stephen King expert. He has two King-related columns.