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I like watching Steve Carell play a character like this. The film all around was good.

I like Malt-O-Meal.

I like this movie. A bit bland, Perhaps. I like it nevertheless.

** 1/2 DAN IN REAL LIFE - A newspaper columnist has trouble taking the advice that he gives out, as he struggles with his daughters and his love life. Considering that it stars Steve Carrell and Dane Cook, you'd think that it would have more of an edge. Instead, it's a gentle family comedy. Not terrible, but wait for video. Opens 10/26.

This film is not an earth shattering revelation that should send you running to the theaters, but it is a pleasant way to spend two hours. A decent rental should suffice, but it would not be horrible to see this in theaters, especially if on a date.


It should be noted, however, that the film did not need three dance sequences(why does the entire family work out together?) and two musical numbers with dane cook? These scenes all seem strange and out of place to me.




PS. The main reason that I did enjoy this film so much was that its soundtrack was done by one of my favorite artists, Norwegian singer Sondre Lerche. Look him up on youtube. Hes great!

I seem to have a way with sneak previews: I always try midtown theaters that are sold out first, and then have to rush back on the subway to get to a more out of the way place (in this case, upper west side) that has plenty of seats left, even though by that time it's nearly show time. In any case, tonight's showing of "Dan in Real Life" was totally worth the extra $2 in metro fare.
Dan Burns (Steve Carell) is a onetime novelist who now writes parenting advice columns for a living. He should know all about parenting, as a widower with three daughters. He devotes his life to taking care of his daughters, and to his parents (Dianne Wiest and John Mahoney), his brother Mitch (Dane Cook), and all the rest of his large, close-knit family. Dan is the voice of calm and reason around which all of them rotate and on whom they all depend...until he falls in love again. Of course, because it's a movie, he happens to fall in love with Mitch's new girlfriend, Anne-Marie (Juliette Binoche). And in a mere three days he manages to turn his whole perfect world topsy-turvy. Yeah, love will do that.
This film is bordering on perfection, at least for the type of film it is, which is essentially a family-friendly romantic comedy. There is no sex, no language, minimal violence, not even much of what the MPAA would call "adult content". What there is is great humor and a novelistic plot that works out its kinks a little too easily, but keeps the audience engaged the whole time anyhow. The acting is fabulous and truly makes the film work, though the writing is also worthy. The chemistry between Binoche and Carell was hard for me to believe in theory but it worked in reality. The characters could've been more fleshed out and the situational comedy could've been a little less contrived, but these are minor complaints. And the fabulous Emily Blunt gets a random cameo as a tramp of a doctor.
Overall, a delightful, laugh-out-loud funny film, with great acting, writing, story, and just a little too much Hollywood fantasy sheen - but if you don't read too deeply into the film or think too much about it, you'll love it.

Unfortunately, this movie is pure schmaltz and a waste of time. It is an under-developed, cheesy romance, NOT the touching-yet-funny story of family life that the trailer would have you belive. Pros: Steve Carell and Diane Weist give great performances, as do the 3 young girls playing the daughters. The father-daughter relationships are well written and well depicted. Cons: Almost everything else. I expected a thoughtful, bittersweet comedy but instead this film devolved into a shallow romance. The main problem is that the film TELLS us that Juliette Binoche's character, Marie, is a real keeper, but doesn't show us, which is kind of a problem. (Also, memo to world: Dane Cook is not funny or attractive.) Even if you wouldn't mind the 'love at first sight'-type conceit in a movie that can't decide if it is slapstick (falling off the roof "bit") or tear-jerker (widower backstory and relationship with daughters), this predictable, saccharin movie is a waste of time. There is nothing interesting or innovative about it, and too few funny moments. I heard that the original screenplay was excellent and that is not what made it to screen, but the reliability of my source (random guy at screening) is, admittedly, dubious. There are a handful of good ideas here, and some very good actors, but overall the movie was disappointing. Watching the trailer is enough of your life to spend on this film.

Last night I was treated to an advance screening of Dan in Real Life, and while this somewhat familiar comedy isn't anything particularly special, it reinforces the fact that Steve Carrell is one of the best comic actors working today. Carrell is in more of a Little Miss Sunshine-mode here, and instead of being over-the-top and crazy his performance is a bit more subdued, quiet, and downbeat...but that doesn't stop him from being funny. He elevates Dan in Real Life from what could've been a completely average film to something that is actually quite good and worth seeing.


But I'm making it sound as if Steve Carrell is the only good thing in this film, which isn't true. Dan in Real Life is a decent movie on its own. I was surprised by how funny it was - I was laughing frequently throughout, and entertained the whole time, which is alot more than most comedies can accomplish. And while the whole film feels generic and a bit like a sitcom, there's still something refreshing about Dan in Real Life - a clever and actually funnycomedy is hard to come by, but this is one of them. With that being said, however, Dan in Real Life is abundant with wierd moments that feel sort of - akward. It's hard to explain, but that's my main complaint about this movie - some moments are just strangely akward. Otherwise, this is a pleasant, entertaining diversion. It's nothing groundbreaking or amazing, but if you just want an entertaining way to spend a few hours, this will do. If for nothing else, see it for Steve Carrell.

Dan in Real Life
Starring Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, Dianne Wiest, and Emily Blunt.
Directed by Peter Hedges. (Pieces of April)
Rated PG-13.

I recommend "Dan in Real Life" for a fun night out! It's a romantic dramedy I can not wait to buy! It's fun to watch and it's just down right a wonderful movie with great actors

Wow, Steve Carell can do anything...Tell that to Todd Packer...I loved Dan in Real Life for a few reasons; First, Binoche and Carell kept it very real which is nice to see once and while in movies. I have "that" friend who always gets up in arms when things aren't realisitc (then I say to him, "I'm not always going to the movies to see what I can say in normal day to day life"), but his only complaint here was that things were a bit rushed, however in the films defense, 2 hours isn't exactly an eternity for a proper courtship. Second, the families interaction was so fluid and again very real, which made you feel like part of the family, which I think is essential in films like this because it makes you care more about the characters. Carell is brilliant - plot twist (sarcasm) - and Binoche is truly charming. I challenge anyone to actually "not like" this movie or leave not caring at all, but then again somebody will do it just because I challenged them to...lol...oh, some people are the saddest!

I can see this movie playing over and over on TBS, etc. - and I will stop and watch it every time I see it. This movie is sweet, sensitive, funny and heartwarming and perfectly executed! Kudos to writers, director and cast! VGB