It’s said there are no second acts in American life. True, the source might have been speaking in general about those who occupy a bigger stage than many of us will ever achieve – politicians, actors, sports heroes and the like. In fact, though, many of them go on to have vastly successful second careers, revitalizing themselves as something new after their initial wave of fame and fortune has subsided. So whoever it was who said that wasn’t aware that the only thing that can keep Newt Gingrich down is to say his name backwards three times.

That person would also be amazed at the tenacity of the title character in the new movie Larry Crowne. Played by Tom Hanks, Crowne is an eternal optimist.