Dan - Mitten im Leben!

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.

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.

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.

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.