In an age where more and more family members don't speak and relationships are continually strained, "Dan in Real Life" appears as an oasis out in the desert.
Nowadays, Hollywood seems infatuated with displaying families that have unhappiness at their core. Families who bite at each other, where adults set little boundaries for children and mom and dad do nothing but break each other down. It is typically only in 'kids' movies' where a strong family dynamic is presented. For those of us who don't see too many of those; however, the Hollywood rendition of the American family is rather defeating.
Dan's (Carell) family is not the typical Hollywood clan. They are a group of decidedly normal people who all have a love and appreciation for each other. They spend time doing crossword puzzle competitions and having family talent shows. The activities they do are silly, but the group enjoys each minute together.
They are also very accepting and inviting of Annie (Binoche), their youngest son's (Cook) new girlfriend. They also get excited when widower Dan shares that he, earlier in the morning, met a woman, Marie, with whom a shared a connection. Turns out Dan's woman and his brother's girlfriend are one-in-the-same. Thus presents the driving action of DIRL, as Dan and Ann-Marie work through the apparent problem amidst the family gathering.
DIRL is charming. It doesn't try to be anything else but a feel good romantic comedy infused with some important lessons and values. Carell is the perfect choice for the role of Dan. He is endearing and his average Joe persona works well here. Binoche, beautiful as ever, is both eloquent and energetic. Cook, who seemed an odd casting choice, creates a likable and loyal brother character, making it more difficult for Dan to sweep Marie away from him. Other family members, who receive less screen time, mix well together and create this contagious family environment. In a much smaller role, Emily Blunt delivers a quirky performance as a childhood friend, now grown up, and single.
DIRL isn't profound, but its optimism is contagious. Unlike other family-centered comedies that have come out over the past few years (The Family Stone & Meet the Fockers to name a few) DIRL doesn't wade in political agenda or filthy humor. It's a smart, well-written comedy that 's got lots of laughs and a lot of heart. Hopefully, we'll see more films like this.
Nowadays, Hollywood seems infatuated with displaying families that have unhappiness at their core. Families who bite at each other, where adults set little boundaries for children and mom and dad do nothing but break each other down. It is typically only in 'kids' movies' where a strong family dynamic is presented. For those of us who don't see too many of those; however, the Hollywood rendition of the American family is rather defeating.
Dan's (Carell) family is not the typical Hollywood clan. They are a group of decidedly normal people who all have a love and appreciation for each other. They spend time doing crossword puzzle competitions and having family talent shows. The activities they do are silly, but the group enjoys each minute together.
They are also very accepting and inviting of Annie (Binoche), their youngest son's (Cook) new girlfriend. They also get excited when widower Dan shares that he, earlier in the morning, met a woman, Marie, with whom a shared a connection. Turns out Dan's woman and his brother's girlfriend are one-in-the-same. Thus presents the driving action of DIRL, as Dan and Ann-Marie work through the apparent problem amidst the family gathering.
DIRL is charming. It doesn't try to be anything else but a feel good romantic comedy infused with some important lessons and values. Carell is the perfect choice for the role of Dan. He is endearing and his average Joe persona works well here. Binoche, beautiful as ever, is both eloquent and energetic. Cook, who seemed an odd casting choice, creates a likable and loyal brother character, making it more difficult for Dan to sweep Marie away from him. Other family members, who receive less screen time, mix well together and create this contagious family environment. In a much smaller role, Emily Blunt delivers a quirky performance as a childhood friend, now grown up, and single.
DIRL isn't profound, but its optimism is contagious. Unlike other family-centered comedies that have come out over the past few years (The Family Stone & Meet the Fockers to name a few) DIRL doesn't wade in political agenda or filthy humor. It's a smart, well-written comedy that 's got lots of laughs and a lot of heart. Hopefully, we'll see more films like this.