User reviews

I'd never heard of this film and the IMDb score didn't fill me with much faith, but I love Steve Carrel so thought i'd give it a go and I'm very glad I did.

It has such a sweet, heartwarming, awkward story with a brilliant collection of characters and a talented cast to match.

Steve Carrel plays a character who is very easy to sympathise with, blending brilliant comedy with touching emotional moments. Juliette Binoche is a joy in her role, the chemistry between the two of them very watchable.

I loved the setting, the direction, the tone and style. All very pleasing.

Proof that the IMDb score doesn't tell the whole story. A hidden gem if there ever was one!

Steve Carell plays Dan Burns, newspaper agony uncle and dedicated single father to three girls. At a large family homecoming Dan meets his perfect woman, only to find out that she is in a relationship with his brother.

What's a man to do?

I rather liked "Dan In Real Life", but I would imagine the success or otherwise of this flick is going to be down to whether you are willing to accept Steve Carell playing a part relatively straight and restrained, rather than going through the broad comedy moves that have made him so successful. If you cannot accept it, fear not, "Get Smart" will be along later in the year, but for the record I thought he was very good.

"Dan In Real Life" starts off like your typical, incidentally amusing, family drama, but it gets funnier and funnier as it goes along and Carell's frustration with his situation grows. It's not massively original (but if you only saw movies with original ideas, cinematic pickings would be very scarce indeed, wouldn't they?), but "Dan In Real Life" is entertaining, and a good cast (who wouldn't fall in love at first sight with the luminous Juliette Binoche?) make the most of an insightful enough script that contains many a ponder on the meaning and passion of love.

I hope that Steve Carell pushes himself and does something as interesting again.

Sometimes you start watching a film that you're not really sure about. And then it surprises you. This was my experience with 'Dan in Real Life'.

I thought this film was wonderful. It is so rare to find a film that mixes so much humour and warmth without being cloying or farcical. But everything about this film clicks both in terms of storytelling and cast. You know you're onto a winner when you have an actor of John Mahoney's quality in a very small role.

The fact is that this could happen in real life and the results would probably be much the same as they are on screen. I know some people take the approach of "I see real life everyday, I go to the cinema to escape it" but this film is very much a celebration of family life and love and those things are just as important as big budget blockbusters with CGI galore.

Some comedians just can't get out from under their first impression, and audiences refuse to take them seriously. But it's pretty universal that every funny man tries to make a few dramas. The best bet, I feel, is for comedians to make a "transition" movie so you can still laugh but also be impressed by some unexpected tears. In Steve Carell's case, rather than jump right into Seeking a Friend for the End of the World or Hope Springs, he did a couple of great transition movies: Little Miss Sunshine and Dan in Real Life. Quirky family comedies, but with scenes that will make the sentimental cry, they show off the promise of Carell's serious dramatic talents.

As a widower and father to three girls, you immediately start the movie on his side and hoping he can find a little happiness. Steve also has a boisterous family who expresses love in various ways, from smothering to teasing. He meets Juliette Binoche in a bookstore and feels a connection, but just as he's telling his parents about her, his brother walks in with Juliette and introduces her as his girlfriend! What a bummer. Since the brother is played by Dane Cook, it's a safe assumption that Steve is going to remain the likable one we can root for (no offense, buddy). Though the love triangle isn't very suspenseful, it's still compelling.

I would totally recommend this if you're looking for a movie that will please everyone in the family. It's sweet and funny, and Steve looks really handsome - if I were Juliette, there would be no contest! The big scene everyone remembers is quite hilarious. Steve sees his daughter through the window of a coffee shop, about to kiss a boy, and he bangs on the glass louder and louder until she sees him and stops. Every parent would love to do that. But there's a lot more to this movie than that one scene. Great and realistic family dynamics, fast-paced jokes, life lessons, and a huge supporting cast. Dianne Wiest and John Mahoney play the parents, Alison Pill and Britt Robertson as the daughters (they're so young!), Amy Ryan, Jessica Hecht, and Emily Blunt, Matthew Morrison, and Lucas Hedges in smaller roles. I would have loved a little more drama, but as it's a touching family film, I understand the protagonist couldn't break down in tears all the time. For a slightly heavier take on a similar subject, try Clive Owen's The Boys Are Back.

I saw a special advance screening of this today. I have to let you know, I'm not a huge fan of either Dane Cook or Steve Carell, so I really had no expectations going into this. I ended up enjoying it quite a bit.

Dan in Real Life is the story of a widower with 3 daughters who goes to spend a weekend with his family. While at a bookstore, he meets the woman of his dreams, only to find out that she happens to be his brother's girlfriend.

This movie is pretty well made- the soundtrack, cinematography, and acting are all top-notch, especially Steve Carell. My problem with it was mostly that there seemed to be a lack of character development, mostly with Dane Cook's character. We never really get a close look at the relationship between Dane and Steve's characters, and I felt that it could have helped a bit in showing what Dan's inner conflict about being in love with Dane's girlfriend was like. Other than this though, Dan in Real Life is definitely a solid, sweet film- definitely a nice break from all the horror and action movies we've been getting this year.

When i first got this film i wasn't expecting much im not one for PG comedies not really one for PG movies period (i like to see life as life and i don't see it in a PG movie just me i guess) but this was actually a hilarious movie that didn't need swear words or make fun of people jokes this was a hilarious comedy that makes you laugh at family, love, and the awykward'ness of life i guess you can say. not going to say much but if you want a great family film this is it. there are a lot of laugh out loud scenes in the movie but take a look out for the funniest scene when Steve Carrell and his brother in the movie Dane Cook go out double dateing. hilarious 8.7 out of 10

I have watched this movie a few times, as I am a big fan of Steve Carrell, and I really feel it was well done. The cast is great.... the chemistry between S. C. and Juliette Binoche was spot on. I enjoy every aspect of this movie... except... the soundtrack is awful (other than the song S. C. does with Dane Cook). I am a music snob, and there may be many who enjoy the indie music featured in the movie.

My dog ate the remote to the sound bar, so I was unable to mute it... sad for me.

Anyway... great movie, but if you dislike whiny songs by people who seem to have the inability to sing on key (or if you have the ability to utilize a mute button), so watch it!

The cast and story get an 8.

Soundtrack gets a 2.

The most satisfying element about "Dan in Real Life" is that the relationship between Dan (Steve Carell) and Marie (Juliette Binoche) makes sense and is beautifully realistic. The casting of Oscar-winner Juliette Binoche as Dan's love interest was a superb decision; she is exceptionally talented, intelligent, naturally attractive and, thank goodness, appropriately aged for the part! Had this movie been made with Jessica Alba or Scarlett Johansson, it would have been a disaster.

Another wonderful aspect about "Dan in Real Life" is that it is a perfect film for adults who are interested in a mature comedy that leaves out the three pillars of the "frat pack" formula: dumb chicks, chauvinistic guys, and sleazy jokes. "Dan in Real Life" is witty and has fun, intelligent laughs throughout. Whereas other comedies incorporate or are almost entirely based on jokes that shock the audience into laughing, the jokes from "Dan in Real Life" are more natural and clever, and involve some thinking on the part of the audience.

My only problem with "Dan in Real Life" is that the rebellious, middle daughter is played too outrageously by actress Brittany Robertson. It's difficult to say if this was a personal choice on her part or a choice by the director. Either way, her character is unrealistic and annoying. But, this is only a minor flaw in the film, and does not take away from the story as a whole.

All in all, "Dan in Real Life" is a great film, a fantastic escape from the redundancy of offensive and dumbed-down comedies. The quality of the writing, directing, acting, and (especially) cinematography is excellent. It is simply a beautiful, light-hearted comedy.

Greetings again from the darkness. Director Peter Hedges' best work is "Pieces of April", a very edgy family drama/comedy that I have recommended to many. Although "Dan in Real Life" doesn't possess anywhere near the edginess of that film, it is an entertaining film with some clever moments ... though it is much more mainstream (by design).

Steve Carell stars as Dan, a widower father of three daughters. Just in case you have forgotten, the movie does remind you just how wicked teenage girls can be ... even the good ones. The film centers around the annual family reunion at the parents' (Dianne Weist, John Mahoney) beautiful summer house in Rhode Island. Although the film borrows material from many large family comdrams, there are a handful of moments and lines that prevent it from being a total remix. Odd casting does help.

Dane Cook and Emily Blunt have supporting roles that are both very well done. Personally I find it difficult to ever really like Dane Cook, but he controls his freak pretty well here. Ms. Blunt is a budding star (see "The Devil Wears Prada") and sooner or later, Hollywood will find the right roles to showcase her talents. By far the most outside the box casting occurs with Juliette Binoche in the pivotal role of Marie. Not to give too much away, but she does give new meaning to brotherly love.

Carell is fine and at least isn't falling into the one-trick pony career of Ben Stiller. He does have some range as an actor and hopefully will mix in a few dramas with the slapstick. Wouldn't call this anything close to a classic, but it is a movie families (not the youngsters) can watch together and be entertained ... nothing wrong with that.

This is my review of Dan in real life which i've just seen.

The movie was in my eyes very realistic, and I think that is a big plus. I can't recollect that I've seen a movie where I felt that what I saw was real like I did with this movie. The acting was great, Steve Carrol gives the character so much, the awkwardness that he brings to the person in some of the scenes are just great, you feel like it was happening to you, and it probably could, and we are all familiar with the situations which are seen in this movie.

The movie also had some great Hilarious moments. The movie was not made to be all fun, it had a good script, a nice well written story, where you at no time where confused about anything. The plot was straight out, and there was no time you where like oh my god what is happening now. In my opinion was the movie excellent :D:) And I loved the last scene, where he finish it with the best quote, and a really helpful one, which I would try thinking of from time to time in my life, a very good advice. And I think that that the movie had a nice message to send out to everyone, and it did it in a very good and well done way. Last words. I think that especially the connection between Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche was just fantastic. The emotions between them where very realistic and sweet. I rate this movie 9 out of 10, VERY close to a 10

:) (:

Edit: I bumped it up to 10 after rewatching several times. It's a movie I really like coming back to, so I think it deserves a 10.

Peter Hedges, who penned the screenplays for the admired indie films What's Eating Gilbert Grape and Pieces of April (and he directed the latter) as well as the successful adaptations of Nick Hornby's About a Boy and Jane Hamilton's A Map of the World, has now guided comic Steve Carell of Judd Apatow's The 40-Year-Old Virgin in a romantic comedy about two brothers vying for the same woman at a large family gathering--which will remind you of the one in The Family Stone, or Home for the Holidays, or for that matter Pieces of April, and a wide variety of American ensemble film comedies--all of which are better focused and more successful than this lame, often cringe-worthy attempt to merge Meet Cute with soppily sentimental treatments of death and sibling rivalry. What was Hedges thinking? He and everybody concerned are obviously capable of much better than this.

One thing that's overwhelmingly clear is that the main plot points got lost in the overstuffed ensemble shuffle. Even when Carell's character, Dan, a widower and "real world" newspaper commentator with three girls he can't connect with, is in a basement bedroom it fills up with a jumble of family members. Once Carell and a misused Juliette Binnoche have had their tiresome first encounter at a bookstore--whereupon he woos her by talking nonstop for an hour or so--dialogue that happily we're mostly spared--every scene is replete with aerobics, charades, amateur night, dancing, or extras running back and forth, including a bevy of poor child actors who rarely get to utter a line. And this is not to mention some positively sick-making song sessions. Ultimately this is a movie that avoids saying anything at all about love and about how people fall in and out of it. There's even an implied subtext that says love's better avoided or repressed. But it's hard to read any message here, since the primary sound is of static. And if motivations and emotions aren't developed, characters can't be, either.

The writing fudges every key point. What gets Carell so interested in Binoche in the bookstore? We never learn anything about her, nor does he. Suddenly he's all over her, gathering a pile of tones including Anna Karenina and a life of Gandhi, taking advantage of her mistaking him for the salesman. Hasn't that been done before? Yes, and better. Later, when Binoche leaves Carell's brother (Dane Cook), there's no scene showing why. Of course he's an offensive boor, but if she hasn't seen that so far, what makes her see it now? No dialogue, not even a frown, to tell us. The result is a movie whose main developments are predictable, yet inexplicable. Nor has Hedges the ability as a director to maintain a consistent tone (he veers too often in and out of maudlin and slapstick) or to thread the romantic comedy clearly through all the jumble of background. The noise overwhelms the dialogue, and some plot lines and characters got emasculated in the cutting room, or on the computer. Carell's mom, Dienne Wiest (also wasted) is inexplicably sadistic toward him. An ironic, pessimist relative, a potentially funny character, has only two lines, not enough to define him. The lovelorn daughter Brittany Robertson's boyfriend (Felipe Dieppa) is summarily packed off in a car, and that takes care of that little problem. When a writer-director's so short with his characters, how are we supposed to care about them? All Hedges has succeeded in doing is maintaining the noise level, and when it's all over, the memories, despite valiant efforts from the cast, are more embarrassing than funny.

Steve Carell once again stars in a light romantic movie about choices, family and pressure. By judging on the plot and cover art of the movie I was expecting a flat-out comedy, lots of laughs and unrealistic elements, but I guess I was wrong. Sure the movie had some comedy, but it felt much more of a light Drama to me and Steve Carell once again gave a great performance. The movie itself really tackles true observations and that was a strong element I found. But, the ending felt a little bit rushed and predictable. Through-out, the cinematography was great, the acting was great and the message it delivered was obvious but yet still very important. Though, it came down to old, flat and predictable ending. I'd reckon if different choices were made at the end of the movie (perhaps for the bad, even) this movie would get better publicity. Still a fun movie.

Let me start by saying that I don't work for a film company, I am just a regular man who happened to see an early screening at the University of South Carolina last night.

With a cast of Dane Cook and Steve Carell (2 of the funniest people in Hollywood) I truly expected a laugh-out-loud comedy. When it became clear that this wasn't the case, I didn't give up on the movie. I started viewing it as a family movie for all ages. Even then, I wasn't completely overwhelmed by the film. There are several great scenes that leave you laughing (and sometimes crying). At the end of the day though, I'm glad it was a free showing. A few of my friends said they did enjoy it, but when I asked them if they would pay $8.50 to see it, they immediately declined.

Bottom line: It's a pretty decent movie for the family to go see. No vulgarity, a few laughs, and a few tear-jerking moments. Just don't expect Steve Carell from "The Office" and don't expect Dane Cook stand-up quality material.

I'm not a Steve Carell fan however I like this movie about Dan, an advice columnist, who goes to his parents house for a stay with his kids and ends up falling in love with his brother's girlfriend. Its a story thats been told before, but not like this. There are simply too many little bits that make the film better than it should be. The cast is wonderful, and even if Carell is not my cup of tea, he is quite good as the widower who's suppose to know everything but finds that knowing is different than feeling and that sometimes life surprises you. At times witty and wise in the way that an annoying Hallmark card can be, the film still some how manages to grow on you and be something more than a run of the mill film. Worth a look see

I want to love this movie. I do. It looks great. It has a wonderful cast all gathered up and cozy for a comfy family gathering in gorgeous Rhode Island. It's Fall. Obviously. The leaves are turning. Nature's fireworks. It doesn't do that everywhere, you know. Not like that and not at that exact time. The setting alone makes you happy. The promo materials. The movie poster. Steve Carell, head on a stack of pancakes like a pillow?

Who doesn't want to see that?

And it's hot a perfectly folksy soundtrack to match.

Dianne Weist and Frazier's Dad are the aging but wise and patient parents?

Juliette Binoche.

Yes, please!

Jessica Hecht.

Jessica Hecht?

Omg, one of my all-time favorite actresses of all-time!

Kicking and Screaming. (One of the greatest scenes of ever!) Sideways.

Here she plays a.mere me member of the family but fireworks still go off with her every scene.

Love her.

So, why a 6 on this one?

It's just not quite believable.

Dane Cook is great. He is a solid screen presence. In this era of his film resume, he was nailing it.

Waiting, and. Mr. Brooks.

He's beyond good in booth.

And he's super great here.

I just don't buy the biggest parts of the puzzle of this film.

Dane and Juliette.

Their characters.

No way!

And then Steve Carell's character to me appears one of three ways: Delusional, desperate, or disturbed.

I get love at first sight, but they didn't quite reach that level of believability here.

So, the movie looks good, sounds good, is very welcoming and charming, but Dan himself, doesn't seem to be living in reality.

And the whole job interview with the family?

Come on.

The laundry room guest accommodations I can relate to. That's real.

The most important sequences were not.

I got to see this film at a preview and was dazzled by it. It's not the typical romantic comedy. I can't remember laughing so hard at a film and yet being moved by it. The laughs aren't gags here--they're observations, laughs of recognition, little shocks of "Oh, my God, I thought I was the only one who felt that way!" I won't give away the plot, which is more than just "Guy falls in love with his brother's girlfriend." The whole family plays a part in the relationship here. Probably the best blend of laughter and warmth since "While You Were Sleeping."

Steve Carell goes much deeper than he's gone before, and for the first time I really liked him. The cast is amazing, a list of veteran theater actors whom I've loved in other roles, but they blend to make a convincing family. Dianne Wiest is lovely as the mother, Juliette Binoche is luminous and hilarious (who knew she was funny?), and even the reviled Dane Cook gives a warm, quiet, touching performance. The Sondre Lerche soundtrack is a wonderful addition, and I'll buy the CD the second it's available.

Don't miss this one.

A harmless romantic comedy that begins to fall apart the second you start actually thinking about what you've just seen.

Steve Carell plays the single dad (the mom died of some unnamed illness) of three girls who intensely dislike him, who takes his daughters to a family reunion at his parents' idyllic cabin in Rhode Island. There he finds out that his brother's new girlfriend (the radiant Juliette Binoche) is the same mystery woman he previously met and instantly fell in love with at a bookstore when he ran out on an errand. The rest of the film involves him acting like a baby because he can't have her, his entire family being disgusted with his behavior, and him realizing that though he makes a living out of giving people advice about how to get their lives together (the title of the film refers to his newspaper column moniker), he can't do the same for himself.

The whole movie suffers the fate of many a romantic comedy in the same vein -- it's amiable, but rather limp. Too much of it feels forced. The screenplay can't allow Juliette Binoche to be a real woman -- she has to be a romantic comedy love interest, otherwise known as the Most Wonderful Woman God Ever Created. Events that would realistically play out over several weeks are crammed into a two- or three-day timespan. This is especially apparent and awkward in a late scene involving some newspaper executives who come to interview Dan about taking his column into syndication (they would really choose to come and meet with him while he's at a family reunion?) Dan's annoyingly perfect family has to share a group amphetamine addiction; otherwise there is no way to account for the manic energy they have (when they're not playing football or engaging in group exercise classes, they're planning talent shows). But mostly, and unfortunately, I thought the biggest flaw with the film was Carell himself. He moped to perfection in "Little Miss Sunshine," but he's just aggravating here. I think we're meant to feel charmed and a bit heartbroken at seeing this man act like a petulant teenager, but I just wanted to tell him to get it together.

The supporting cast is led by Dianne Wiest and John Mahoney as Dan's mom and dad, along with Dane Cook as his brother and Emily Blunt in a brief but memorable and sexy performance as a possible romantic alternative. However, everyone's talent is largely wasted.

This is one of those unoffensive, unchallenging and uninteresting movies that's designed to give family crowds something to do when they tire of their Christmas shopping.

Grade: B

I didn't expect to love this movie as much as I did. From the characters to the music and the scenery this is a beautiful movie. I can't decide if Dane Cooks impromptu "Ruthy Pig Face Draper" song, or the "You are a murderer of love!" line Is my favorite. Love this movie and it is a real pleasure to watch.