Dan Burns (Steve Carell) is a widower and father of three girls. As a prospering advice columnist Dan must try to juggle fatherhood, his job and a complicated love relationship in, “Dan In Real Life.”
Dan and his girls make the annual family reunion trip to Rhode Island to spend time with each other, as well as the rest of the family. Upon retrieving the morning paper he meets Marie (Juliette Binoche) who he falls completely head-over-heels for. But hasty judgment leads to an awkward situation where we find out Marie is dating Dan’s brother Mitch (Dane Cook).
Marie is attracted to Dan and his three girls, but is inevitably stuck to Mitch. Dan, revolting upon the situation, cannot hide his emotions. Rather than putting his feelings out there, as he does in his column, he directs them toward everything that is not Marie, oftentimes neglecting his daughters, who are already revolting against him. What is left is a heartfelt comedy that we can ultimately deem as “life.”
“Dan in Real Life” is a movie about life, love and family. The comedy isn’t overbearing, and the drama is realistic. The subtlety of the two mix with such passion, that it makes the film experience enjoyable and feel-good.
Steve Carell has ceased to amaze with his versatility throughout his acting career. His tranquil approach to a widower father falling for love, like a teenager, is intense and compelling.
Juliette Binoche has a French accent to boot. Perfectly cast as a younger, middle-aged woman who is well-traveled gives Carell an opposite that no other actress could have captured.
Dane Cook is a funny guy and fits the role of Mitch, but lacks genuine feeling. At times he seems too melodramatic and over-the-top funny. He is still finding his niche in the acting world, but this critic thinks he should stick to slapstick.
Alison Pill, Brittany Robertson and Marlene Lawstone play Carell’s daughters and are the pivotal role in the film. What they believe in so fiercely, is what Dan is rebelling against, as well as living. Deemed as the “Murder of Love,” Dan must understand his children before he can understand himself.
Peter Hedges, (“Pieces of April”), directs this great family film that ceases to amaze. Comedic timing, great suspense, and such a lovely theme intertwine together to fascinate the spectator that times just seems to fly by.
Kickoff the fall season with this awkward family film about life, love and happiness hiding in the places where you least expect it.