Lately, there's been a shortage of truly feel good movies. Even the "inspirational sports films" of late haven't mustered that same feel good vibe that I'm used to. Dan in Real Life seems like just what the doctor ordered. Steve Carell's new family comedy hits all the right notes and has something for just about everybody in the family. This film seems to cover all the bases with a wide base of comedy, actors and actresses that appeal to every age group and a story simple but complex enough to evoke emotions.
Dan Burns (Carell) is a widowed man living with his three daughters. Even though he writes a parental help equivalent of "Dear Abby", Dan has a very poor grasp on how to manage his own family. Each of Dan's daughters fills a niche allowing Dan to face all of a parent's worst nightmares at once. Lucky him. Jane (Alison Pill), the oldest, pressures Dan for any chance she can get behind the wheel. Cara (Brittany Robertson) desperately wants to date despite Dan's deep-seated belief that she's far too young and naïve to ever understand what a true relationship requires. Lilly (Marlene Lawston), Dan's youngest, simply wants the attention and time that Dan just can't seem to give her due to all of the pressures pulling him in every other direction. To make matters worse, on an errand into the seaside town during a big family get together, Dan runs into Marie (Juliette Binoche) the woman of his dreams - only to return home and find her to be the girlfriend of his immature brother Mitch (Dane Cook). As Mitch shows off Marie to everyone in the house - Dan becomes ever more hostile towards Marie and Mitch as he attempts to deal with his forbidden love. Emotions come to a boil as the week moves on and Dan finds his advice, which he heaps out upon the general public, fails him at every turn.
His daughters hate him. His parents shake their heads at his inability to handle the situation maturely. His brother sits completely unaware that his older brother and girlfriend are sneaking glances across the table. Dan\'s life looks great on paper...but in real life - Dan is out of his league.
Steve Carell doesn't necessarily flex his comedic muscles as much in Dan in Real Life, but he does show off his capacity for dramatic acting. The results are rather fun to watch. He's still the somewhat awkward persona that we're used to from the Office and 40 Year Old Virgin - but he's somewhat more endearing this time around.
Dane Cook, well I've never been a huge fan. He's funny, but I'm still not convinced he has any place in the world of acting. He needs to stick to comedy. Unfortunately, I understand that studios see Dane Cook as an automatic draw for the high school and college crowd. I don't approve of studios casting him for that reason - but what can you do?
Juliette Binoche is virtually perfect - always. She takes her roles and moves into them filling them completely. Marie was a nice relaxed role for her to take and she shines. Good for her.
The daughters were a bit grating at times as they represented the edge of comedy meant to appeal to the tweener age group (for those not hip to the lingo that's ages 10 - 12). I hate tweener age comedy. The daughters are simply a pain in the ass that only make warm fuzzy moments that much more unbearable by saying "Awww dad, we always knew you could do it!" Those moments make me sick - I know, I know, they come standard in family comedies. I accept that.
Dianne Wiest and John Mahoney (of Frasier fame) play the very dry and lovable parents of the family. These two played off each other with a convincing chemistry that made me believe the two could actually have been married. I suppose some credit is due to the writers as well.
Overall the film hits all the right notes and rarely fails to entertain. This is a good, solid night's worth of family entertainment. I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone. Dan in Real Life shows you that Hollywood is still capable of making films with a soul.
"Dan in Real Life" opens October 26, 2007 and is rated PG13. Children & Family, Comedy. Directed by Peter Hedges. Written by Peter Hedges, Pierce Gardner. Starring Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, John Mahoney, Dianne Wiest.
