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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
