Dan - Mitten im Leben!

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.

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

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.

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

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.