Tom Hanks gives refund to disgruntled fans
By Alexandra Heilbron on August 17, 2011 | 34 Comments
Tom Hanks handed a couple $25 to refund the price of their movie tickets when they told him they didn’t like his latest film, Larry Crowne. Hanks was filling up his car at a gas station near his home in Pacific Palisades, California, when a couple at a nearby pump spotted him and told him they’d seen his movie. When Tom asked what they thought, the man decided honesty was the best policy and admitted it “‘wasn’t that good.” His wife added that Tom was their favorite star and that they’d come to expect more from him. The National Enquirer reported that Hanks replied, “Gee, I’m sorry you were disappointed, how about letting me refund your ticket money?” He then handed them $25. Apparently the woman didn’t want to take the money, but her husband had no qualms and pocketed the cash. Hanks not only starred in Larry Crowne — he co-wrote the script and directed it. Although the film, which co-stars Julia Roberts, wasn’t a big box office hit, it made over $35 million from ticket sales — $5 million more than it cost to make.
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That’s pretty sweet of him. He seems like a nice guy. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I plan to (probably on DVD).
I have liked everything Tom Hank has done from the first movie I remember him in, “Splash” I have been trying to find this movie. Having worked on Second City as a cameraman when the were in Edmonton with John Candy and Eugene Levy, who were also in Splash another reason I would like a DVD or even a VHS if someone knows were it can be found.
It’s hard to believe he’s still so down-to-earth. Very cool.
Very nice of him to do that. Handled it like a pro.
I like Tom Hanks. I saw the movie and it sure wasn’t one of his best.
Loved and had the movies “Splash” and “Big”, just off the top of my head. I just checked and I do not have them now. They are at any flea market or pawn shop, it seems. I am in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I have always liked Tom Hanks. Seems very nice. A class act. I have not seen “Larry Crowne” yet, but a friend of mine has, and said it was better than she expected. It is at the cheap theatre now. Even if it is bad, it is a good deal. Only $3.50. Cheapest is Safeway through the machine, at $1.88 or so. Tom Hanks is worth much more. Worth writing about.
Well I am sorry some people disliked the movie, I saw it with my Husband and daughter and we simply loved the gentleness of the movie. We found the humor touching. I think it is sad that people expect every movie to be “action packed”. People also just don’t read enough and many have the attention span of a nat. Try to enjoy life and slow down a little. You will enjoy each other more, and your children will appreciate it too. In fact read them a book, watch a movie with them that have real life situations in them.
Larry Crowne is a great film! What losers.
Every actors have flops, Tom Hanks is no different, he’s been in some bad movies too. “Suburbs” “Bonfire of the Vanities” were 2 movies that bombed. Still, you don’t tell a star and classy person like Tom Hanks that his movie wasn’t good at a gas station. You tell him you’re a fan. take a picture and say “have a good day M. Hanks, keep up the good work” and be on your way.
Tom Hanks for president 2012.
I actually LOVED “Suburbs”. I watched it several times.
Stan – have you tried the Wal-Mart bins, I’m sure I’ve see Splash on DVD before, so it might be in with the older and cheaper DVD’s at Wal-Mart.
Stan – Amazon.com has it listed at $9.00+
@ jjjones on August 18, some people will love duds, I actually loved Bonfire of the Vanities but it doesn’t change the fact that they bombed and that the overall opinion of those movies is that they are not very good.
Pretty amazing actor, Super talented man. Never saw Larry Crowne but will wait for DVD release.
Nice guy! They were right….not a good movie. Campy and overly sentimental. Tom’s movies tend to do that once and a while.
Stan – amazon.com/Splash-20th-Anniversary-Tom-Hanks/dp/B00015YVD6 – $8.92
From his humble beginnings in films like Joe vs. the Volcano, Tom has grown to be more and more like a pompous ass. Though he IS really a nice guy, and it’s more likely the confidence he’s developed because of all the money and rich friends he has.
I was waiting for the DVD to watch this movie. And good on the husband for telling the truth. Hanks asked a question so be prepared for the answer. And he took it graciously. Tom Hanks is awesome. Everyone has their opinion on movies. ‘The Burbs’ is actually what you are referring to when you say Suburbs, and yeah it was decent. Most of Hanks movies I really enjoy even Bonfire of the Vanities and Ladykillers.
I saw Larry Crowne and like it, but my husband didn’t. I think it was more of a woman’s movie. Tom Hanks is an incredibly talented man and seems like a nice person as well.
Cast Away. My Fav From Him. Philadelphia close behind.
I saw Larry Crowne and thought it was very good. Wasn’t his best movie nor his worst but it’s definitley worth seeing. Can’t please everyone Tom.
And refunding that couples money was very very generous and thoughtful of you.
That’s why Tom is so likable. He is just a regular guy. Gutzy people to tell him they did not care for his movie though, if I saw him I probably would be able to speak. lol!
not be able to speak, is what I meant to say….apparently I can’t type today.
Class act…he does it well.
That was a classy move by Mr. Hanks… although I think that people should respect the profession of acting and that not ever movie will appeal to every person – point of fact; this is why there are so many film genres and why some character actors have an easier time than those who dare to work outside their norm. I had an oppotunity to act – I never became a “star” but I can tell you from experience it is hard work and actors do not always receive the appreciation they deserve. Cheers to anyone brave enough to take a chance!
Love love love Toma Hanks one of the best actors of our time I can Watch his movies over and over again although I have not seen Thomas Crowne but still if I had met him in person I cetainly would not complain I would tell him how amazing he is and keep making movies I would not take his money no matter how rich he must be such a sweet man Rita Wilson is a lucky lady. As for the couple the lady was nice enough not wanting to take his money but it seems as though her husband is a cheap ass loser who could have something better to say to such an amazing actor.
Nice of him to give back the money.
I would not tell Tom that I disliked his movie if I saw him- it is nicer to say that it was not his “best movie” in your opinion.
That you liked his other films better.
Doubt most people here could even write a script and direct it and produce it.
So that is just rude of people.
At least Tom was polite about the event.
If you are still at the theatre and you go tell them the movie sucks, they will refund you the money if the film is not completely done.
I have done that before. Watched a movie, that I did not know would have subtitles or was dubbed in French (diary of angry kid??) and in French it was very bad.
After 20 minutes we left and got the money back.
This is in Canada though!
Wow, If I ever met him he’d probably have to give me $200 for all the crappy movies of his I have had to sit through.
I wasn’t being nice guys. I was being sarcastic. But we all have a few shitty movies. Just look at the Da Vinci Code. Even I fell asleep.
IIRC, here in Toronto you can get a refund for your tickets as long as you haven’t been watching for more than a half hour.
That was a stand-up thing for Tom to do. The film is about a guy going through a career/life change and is on downsized. I don’t see the need to give folks their money back though, if that were the case I’d want a pile of money for the 4.5 hours of life I lost watching Titanic. In Canada, if you leave a movie within the first half hour, you can get your money back.
Pretty low class of the guy to pocket the $25 though.
Personally I loved Tom in Dragnet with Dan and Turner and Hooch. I am on the fence with some of his Rom-coms. His best roles IMHO were in Gump, and Saving Private Ryan. Tom is one of the more humble of what we can really call a “Movie Star”.
Will the real Tom Hanks stand up? And show us a non-air-brushed photo. Maybe his contract is the same as Julia’s, where he cannot. Remember the make-up ad?
Tom Hanks on August 19, 2011 7:08 AM ahahahahahaha <3
Bitman its your choice to sit through the movies. Tom isnt making you watch his movies. Kind of a stupid comment dont you think…
I watched the movie Larry Crowne and enjoyed it, and I am a fan of Tom Hanks and have been for quite a while. refunding the money was a cool thing to do.