Optimism is something Hanks has never been shy about bringing to his movies. Whether it is Forrest Gump's naïve faith in people or the dogged determination to survive and be rescued in "Cast Away," Hanks identifies with characters he describes as "one of the faithful."

His new film, "Larry Crowne," opening Friday, July 1, gives that optimism a real test torn straight from the American zeitgeist.

Like many Americans during the recent recession, Crowne goes back to Community College after losing his job. Searching for something positive, that is what he finds.

Hanks co-wrote the screenplay and directs the film in which he stars with Julia Roberts.

(READ the article from Orlando Sentinel – And, see the film's trailer below)