Lars and the Real Girl

People experiencing loneliness or other mental health issues are often unfairly stigmatised, especially if they are in their younger years.

They are often seen as socially awkward or 'weirdos.' It is truly unfortunate that their underlying problems are generally overlooked. Instead of understanding their struggles and hardships, we quickly assign negative labels to them, deeming them unfit for society.

If only we could see them with a little bit of compassion and try to understand their struggles, the world would be a much better place.

Returning to the film, there is a certain sweetness and warmth to it that becomes contagious.

While it may not be as intense or serious as other films with similar topics tend to be, it still prompts viewers to contemplate the lives of such individuals, and that is admirable.

And to top it all off, Ryan delivers a commendable act, flawlessly portraying his character Lars from beginning to end. It is no easy feat for an actor to convey a gentle smile on the surface while carrying a deeper sadness within, but Gosling does this so effortlessly.

He truly is a precious talent.

My wife and I went to see this on by birthday, and I was expecting it to be sorta quirky and off beat. I was surprised to find that this was a touching and humorous relationship-driven drama.

As already accounted here, Ryan Gosling gave a performance that many MANY of the popular actors could only DREAM of. He was brilliant, and his portrayal of Lars covered so many emotional dynamics.

However, I am going to write about Paul Schneider, who played Lars' brother, Gus. He was so subtle and funny, so spot on! His side-arc concerning being the older brother in a troubled family. . . just genius.

I would recommend this movie to everyone.

It's always a treat to walk into a theater and leave after viewing something great - something I didn't expect.

The independent film 'Lars and the Real Girl' is just that. It's promoted as a comedy about a guy who's in love with a sex doll, yet the film is the type everyone should see and you can even consider taking your kids. (It's rated PG-13)

Lars (Ryan Gosling) is an introvert, who holds an office job and lives in a northern mid-west town. His pad is a modified garage next to his deceased parents' home. His brother Gus (Paul Schneider) and pregnant, caring sister-in-law, Karin (Emily Mortimer) live in the large house on the property.

One day Lars meets a friend (the doll) on the internet and has her shipped to his home. Being the gentleman that he is, Lars asks Gus and Karin if his quest can stay in the main house until they get to know each other better. This sets off a chain of events that involve the local doctor, minister, his co-workers and ultimately, the entire town.

It's a story of openness and the importance of allowing what you first think is unacceptable and different, is actually completely acceptable. The film draws you in, changes your initial beliefs and provides a wonderful message at the same time. It's a heartwarming, feel good film that will stay with you long after you leave the theater. Lars and his ''real girl' taught me more about life and love. It will do the same for you.

I just saw this movie last night with friends and I'll admit I'd never heard of it. I knew it was worth watching when I was told Ryan Gosling was in it so I was mildly excited to see it. The first thirty minutes of the film are pretty damn funny and to some, almost hilarious. Very well done comedic acting that is real, believable, and still amazing to watch. Part of what makes the first thirty minutes so funny is because we know about the doll, and we can't wait for the first reactions. After that the story takes a wonderfully surprising turn to a really touching light drama. I was very surprised but I really loved it. A lot of people laughed throughout the film, and I was very much bothered by that. There is a reason this man is pretending that a "sex" doll is a real person, and its a very internal serious pain thats hes going through, which for me, understanding that part of the story, I felt it was mildly inappropriate for people to laugh, but I understood with time. Near the end of the film it gets a little predictable for one, some would say major, plot turn, but not so predictable as to ruin it. About 5 to 10 minutes before it happens you see it coming, but other than that it was superbly acted by Ryan Gosling who has nothing but an incredible career in front of him, and good supporting roles as well. This is a very enjoyable film, which I recommend to anyone and everyone. It really seems to have something for everyone, but be prepared it might make you laugh, cry, or both. Its a very very good movie, and definitely worth seeing in theaters.

What a wonderful, quirky movie about the beauty of damaged humans coming together to help each other out. There's something so warm and sweet about a movie with a premise of a guy falling in love with a sex doll. The way this reflects on humanity, the way people care and think on others is all really something. The journey Lars goes on is spectacular and the way Gosling transformed himself from heartthrob to schlub is equally impressive.

The shortcoming here is sadly, inextricably linked to the positives. That sense of humanity looking out for it's own is so beautiful but it also feels disingenuous at times because everyone just goes along with the strange circumstances and there's not enough reality in what's happening. Once or twice someone might be surprised by the events, but in reality people would be making a huge deal out of this whole thing. There would be talk, gossip and cruel whispers running rampant and I would've loved to see a little more of that reality represented here.

I still really enjoy this film, it's different, it's complex and it's so human. Strong recommend for everyone out there, despite it's flaws it's still just a touching experience.