Dan in Real Life Reviews

Dan in Real Life is perhaps a very good example on how films can be funny, likable and sweet without defacing it with off-color humour, tasteless jokes & just plain stupidity. In an age of the latter points, this film was a very welcome surprise. I still can't get over the fact how unpretentious the film was - as was the script. Nothing too extraordinary, but nothing too subtle either. Granted, it was quite weak in spots, quite cliche, and has that "happily-ever-after" ending, but you can't deny how sweet and likable the whole setup was. Steve Carrell plays Dan, a nice but love-repressed widower who plays the role of a Spartan-dad to his three daughters. His words, his actions may seem offish and villainous, but they're not; they're full of care, affection and, on a smaller scale, fear. The film, like I said, is nothing too extraordinary. It's not too fully fleshed, none of the characters rise above their respective stereotypes, felt too much like Hannah & Her Sisters, and is a family film with a thinly veiled drama undertone. But these cliches, or amateur, points become minor things because the overall result is a very sweet, quite touching film that will make you smile and laugh and quite possibly, will make you become a better person in your family.

Steve Carrell's performance as Dan, the protagonist, was very charming. Being the main backbone of the film, he handled everything perfectly, showing us that yes even minimal expressions can express a lot. While all the others stayed in their respective fields, he masterfully trod to and fro from being serious to funny to emotional to charming. I can't imagine any other actor playing Dan. Juliette Binoche was amazing as Marie. I thoroughly enjoyed her performance and the chemistry shared with Steve Carrell. It was wonderful, very convincing. Wouldn't mind seeing them again. Hell, I wouldn't mind seeing the same cast all over again in another film because of the impeccable chemistry they shared. I also enjoyed Alison Pill and Brittany Robertson, the latter giving one of the best performances I've seen this week, and in the film as a whole. Dane Cook, despite playing another likable character, didn't quite match up against the others, especially Binoche, Robertson and Carrell. It was an OK performance, not too convincing I'm afraid. The rest of the cat were equally good, although nothing too memorable or energetic.

In conclusion, if compared to the other comedies - namely the Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell ones - Dan in Real Life is like the cat that is obedient and not moody. It is not exactly a must-watch but if you're looking for something pleasant, then this one is for you.

8.0/10

El guión es sutil pero no se aleja mucho de los mecanismos comunes de las comedias románticas, lo que realmente vale la pena ver en esta película son las actuaciones de Binoche y en especial de Carell quien una vez más demuestra que puede crear personajes verosímiles y com un amplio rango de emociones sin dejar de ser divertido. La química que surge entre estos dos protagonistas es muy agradable e incluso íntima, tanto así que a veces uno desearía que no hubiera tanta y tan predecible trama interponiéndose entre una interacción más libre entre ellos.

My boyfriend bought me this video and, probably, he assumed that I'll like it since it stars Steve Carrell. Dan in Real Life is not purely comedy. In fact, it caused me tears in the ending. Steve's performance is funny yet touching as well. His attachment to his late wife who died 4 years ago has turned him into a murderer of love: his 3 daughters hate him for killing joy in their family. Also, Steve's punchlines are good: not the exaggerated type of punchlines, which made the film more blissful. And wholesome. Juliette Binoche surprised me here. Unlike her role in Chocolat, she's kind of whorish in this one. Haha. :)

For starters, Steve Carell is the only reason I watched this film, and its the perfect role in which he excels at - as a lovable down-on-his-luck good guy with great punch lines.

Not being a fan of romantic comedies (i'm a guy, after all), I still found myself somewhat impressed with this one, and even fought back tears in one scene (when Steve was telling his three daughters which part of them reminds him of his dead wife). And many of the jokes throughout are brilliant and funny.

What I didn't like about this film was the cheezy family dynamics. Seriously, does ANYONE know a family out there that meets up for a week, get along perfectly (for the most part), exercise together, play football together, and even do special talent shows in front of each other by the fireplace? guitar and all? come on... that's not 'REAL LIFE'.

The plot also was way too predictable. I knew right away things would be awkward, then they'll fall in love, then all hell will break loose in the family, but then everything will work out perfectly and last scene will be a wedding with everyone all happy and perfect. Its about as predictable as a period.

And *despite* all that, I still give it a generous 7 out of 10 because, well Steve Carell is in it, and its NOT Evan Almighty. :)

Steve Carell at his best. Extremly funny, but never too much.

It's a great movie to relax and shut down. A lot like Family Stone

Love Steve Carell. Dane Cook continues to prove that the leap from standup to the silver screen is not working. Overall, it was good, but extremely awkward situations made me squirm in my theater seat. I definitely could have waited till video.