Interesting and amusing, this film is an empathetic, laugh-out-loud character study, starring Steve Carell as the eponymous Dan, a newspaper columnist and widower, whose life revolves around his three teenage daughters. Arriving at the annual family reunion, he randomly meets a woman in a bookshop, played by Juliette Binoche, who he consequently cannot stop thinking about.
Steve Carell as Dan does not break any new ground as an actor – we’ve seen him before in this type of role, notably in Little Miss Sunshine. Similarly, Juliette Binoche plays the part of the quirky seductress, which seems to be her forte. While not a stretch for either of the pair, it does mean that the acting is extremely competent. Steve Carell adeptly encapsulates the petulant child in all of us, afloat in a world of divisions, between adults and youngsters, men and women. Unable to fit in with any of his relatives, he is a constant outsider, who we both feel for, yet cannot help laughing at.
The major downfall of this film may be its un-reality. Some of the comedy value is achieved through moments that are highly improbable and draw strongly from cliché, which overshadows the original brilliance that would have made this film a must-see. As it is, Dan In Real Life is still worth a look-in, especially for the secret romantics, who can’t quite allow themselves to believe in love.
So you’re a reviewer now then, that’s great. There’s a film coming out in a few weeks called Definitely, Maybe (no reference to oasis- except for the fact that’s where they stole it from obviously) and it looks pretty crappy so i don’t know whether i want to go see it, but it’s got Ryan Reynolds in it, who i’m a bit of a fan of. Mostly from Two guys and a girl, which was great tv, and recently smokin aces. So that’s my problem, i don’t know whether to watch it so i though you could go watch it first and tell me how it is? Take your reviewing career to the next level….
Oh yeah, and if you like films you should go watch Charlie Wilson’s war, if only for the superb performance by the excellent Phillip Seymour Hoffman.
lol i’m going to assume you’re being sarcastic. However, I intend to watch both Charlie Wilson’s War, solely on your recommendation, and also go and see Definitely Maybe for your reviewing pleasure – WATCH THIS SPACE!