Dan in Real Life Reviews

• Dan's the man! A quiet little film on just how quirky love can be.

  
  By AZCDCO6KK2T81 on 2007-10-29
  A tired formula gets a shot in the arm by affecting performances in this quaint little film that will touch you.
  
  
  I have grown to really appreciate the acting talent of Steve Carell who really can carry a film. Carell darn near stole the show in Bruce Almighty to the point where the funniest segments were cut from the theatrical release because he upstaged Carrey so much, but those scenes where fortunately made available on the DVD release. Carell was again the saving grace of Evan Almighty and The 40-Year-Old Virgin in which both most likely would have died unnoticed had it not been for his sincere performances. This comedian definitely knows how to act. Carell reminds me of the legendary Dick Van Dyke when he had serious roles or moments and Bob Newhart's dry comedic delivery. It all just seems so effortless on Carell's part.
  
  In another affecting performance we have Carell as a widower raising three daughters alone and giving his tidbits of wisdom on doing so in a local column titled "Dan in Real Life." Even though his wife has died four years ago, he has yet to really move beyond that in the way of a relationship. He has focused all his attention of his children and while that is admirable, a parent is still allowed to look out for himself too. He has not and the annual fall trip to his parents' cabin plays out all too realistically with everyone pushing him to find someone and he does.
  
  He bumps into a lovely woman in town that he's immediately drawn to. She is played by the ever radiant Oscar winning actress Juliette Binoche, the only reason to see The English Patient and one who makes turning 43 seem really cool and desirable. In the hands of any other actress this role would have been blown out of portion, but in the subtle hands of Binoche, it is a delicate and balanced performance. Unfortunately, this terrific woman who seems perfect for him is, in reality, his brother's latest flame that he's brought down to the family cabin to meet everyone for the first time because "this one is different."
  
  Sadly, the effects of this are handled much like a TV-movie or a good episode of that old series "Love Boat", or any other sitcom for that matter. What makes this film ultimately rise above that is admirable work done by the leads. These are seriously understated performances that are quite touching, believable and memorable in spite of a seriously flawed script at times.
  
  Some of the humor in this film is both lame and predictable, but the execution is always dead on. Again, the performances are the key to this tired formula of the awkward romance. I guess this film is a good example of style over substance. Will this save this movie for everyone, no, but I think most might like this film. I doubt many will love it or even remember it much after seeing it, but it's a nice experience in spite of it's obvious weaknesses.
  
  

• Yours Truly, Love Struck in Rhode Island

  
  By A18G7GG53G2X8A on 2007-10-25
  Anyone who actually believes that love is a many splendored may not get their money's worth from "Dan in Real Life." Here's a film that shows just how unexpected, irregular, and confusing love can be, both in terms of family and romantic interests. There's intelligence to this story that's equally humorous and heartbreaking, proving once and for all that love is difficult to receive and even more difficult maintain. At times, it's also difficult to acknowledge, especially if it's being kept a secret. The greatest difficulty of all is letting go of love, to recognize that the past is the past and to know when to move on. All this is explored in "Dan in Real Life," a smart, witty, and touching romantic comedy that doesn't lose itself to an overabundance of clichés. The formulaic elements are there, but they're presented in a new way, and they're used in a story that can actually support them. They're not used simply because we expect them to be.
  
  The plot focuses on Dan Burns (Steve Carell), a widowed advice columnist living in New Jersey with his three daughters. They all drive to Rhode Island for an annual family reunion, and its there that Dan meets Marie (Juliette Binoche), a good-natured woman who has traveled the world and seen many sights. Their romance comes to a halt when Dan discovers that Marie is dating his brother, Mitch (Dane Cook). Dan spends the rest of the film struggling with his feelings, unwilling to let Marie go yet unable to be honest with his family, who he can't seem to connect with.
  
  As simple as this plot sounds, a number of fascinating, thought provoking elements liven things up. One of the most interesting is the relationship between Dan and his daughters. The two oldest are typical in that they hate Dan: seventeen-year-old Jane (Alison Pill) is desperate to see the world, and a great way to start would be to finally learn how to drive; fifteen-year-old Cara (Brittany Robertson) believes that she's deeply in love with a boy from school, and she openly despises her father for not letting that love develop. At one point, she screams that he's a murderer of love. Dan tries to rationalize the situation--Cara has only known the boy for three days, and it's impossible to know whether or not you're in love so quickly. Eventually, Dan begins to analyze his love for Marie, who he had only met three days earlier. His youngest daughter, Lilly (Marlene Lawston), is the least hostile, despite not understanding why her father behaves the way he does. As his love for Marie deepens, he loses track of Lilly, and he ultimately hurts her feelings by neglecting to read a special book she made for him.
  
  Another important element is the relationship between Dan and his immediate family; because he makes himself so distant, they look at him more with concern than with love. Some feel that he needs to finally let go of his dead wife--his parents (John Mahoney and Dianne Wiest) set him on a blind date with an old family acquaintance (Emily Blunt), hoping that he'll finally have some fun. This suits his brother, Clay (Norbert Leo Butz), just fine, since he feels that Dan should "uncork" himself. The pressure they're putting on Dan is unmistakable, as is the fact that their actions are well intentioned but completely unnecessary. This is probably why he attempts to engage his nieces and nephews, even when they make it clear that they don't want to be engaged.
  
  But the relationship between Dan and Marie is the most important element. It all boils down to the fact that two love struck people are under the same roof, unable to show their feelings for each other. How long can this go on? Will anyone notice? Will either of them be able to come clean? These are the questions we find ourselves asking as the film progresses, not only because the story is entertaining, but also because we eventually realize that Dan is not following the advice in his own written columns. Dan himself realizes this when his articles are considered for syndication in a major newspaper--he has become a hypocrite, someone so blindsided by love that he didn't think about who might get hurt by it.
  
  Is it normal for love to be this emotionally exhausting? I don't think I'm the right person to answer that question, which is probably just as well; a recommendation for "Dan in Real Life" doesn't depend so much on what I think, but on the mindset you bring to the theater. This classic Boy Meet Girl fable is told in a non-traditional way, relying more on genuine emotional development than on a formulaic structure. Although it allows for the film's one weakness--an abrupt ending--the emotional development still does wonders for the story, preventing it from becoming a bland, meaningless romantic comedy. It helps that all of the characters are believable, especially Dan; as he comes to terms with the ups and downs of life, our own humanity is reaffirmed. This alone makes "Dan in Real Life" a heartfelt, funny, and thoroughly enjoyable film.
  
  

• "Learning to Live Again"

  
  By A3EE0H0NWQ9QVL on 2008-03-12
  `Dan in Real Life' has a solid premise that seldom falters. It's partly a family film and partly a romantic comedy, but the results are always engaging.
  
  Dan Burns (Steve Carell) is a newspaper columnist who gives people family advice. He's a widower of four years but is rearing his three daughters. At home he's strict to the point of obsession, so he won't let his fifteen year old date a boyfriend for fear of infatuation.
  
  Pending is his family's yearly visit to his parents' rustic New England getaway while he awaits a verdict on whether or not his column will be put in syndication. Going to a local bookstore he discovers a beautiful woman, Marie (Juliette Binoche) with whom he'd like to connect. Later, Marie turns out to be his brother (Dane Cook) Mitch's girlfriend. Trying to juggle his desire to rekindle happiness and be the man he professes to be in his column is difficult at best.
  
  Just like other Steve Carrell movies, his character is awkwardly caught in sticky situations. Unlike the other movies, however, Carrell's performance is more graceful and multifaceted. Dane Cook, who allegedly has a bad reputation as an actor, seems natural and nuanced as his brother Mitch. (Actually, the only other performance I've seen him in is his role as the sleazy voyeur in 'Mr. Brooks,' and there he was quite convincing.) Everyone else keeps a genuine vitality that this comedy needs.
  
  Most of the movie spends time like a home video movie. They play football, sing songs, put on a talent show, play word games, and talk about life. It's a testament to the film that in the process, the brisk editing makes the whole getaway fun with people we really care about. 'Dan in Real Life' may not deliver the biggest laughs, but it is a warm, heartfelt comedy that gives us all a chance to get away from it all.
  
  

• Oh hey, it's "Meet The Parents" again!

  
  By A3M31IF606SZYV on 2008-02-25
  These movies are not fun, they are miserable. Maybe I'm alone on this, but I do not enjoy paying good money to watch the film's only likable, mostly rational character get crapped on by the universe. I do not have a fun time when the first 90 minutes of a movie are just a series of horrible, progressively unlikely situations that the protagonist stumbles into. It is not a good time for me. It is a bad time for me. I call it Meet The Parents Syndrome.
  
  In addition to this syndrome's namesake, a number of films have duplicated this formula in an effort to siphon some of the Stiller franchise's success. They are all universally bad. I have written about this before. School For Scoundrels. The Ex. License To Wed. I was unfortunate enough to get forced into theaters for the first two. Never again.
  
  Worse still is that Dan In Real Life had serious potential to be a phenomenal film. Steve Carell is flawless - he nearrrrrly salvages the entire thing. The first twenty minutes had me very excited because it felt as though the movie were going to straddle a delicate line between depressing drama and comedy with aplomb. No such luck. The balance is so bad, he even falls off a roof. Original, right? There are serious other highlights, don't get me wrong; the entire soundtrack consists of original songs by Sondre Lerche, Dane Cook is perfectly cast (especially for those of us annoyed by him), and there's an inspiring segment in which Steve does what we all wish he would: gives a big [expletive] you to the person that has wronged him. At the end of the day though, it's a procession of painful, awkward events, and it ends up just like you knew it would.
  
  If only Steve Carell would pick better scripts.
  
  Are there any defenders of these movies? Am I alone in not enjoying people's (fictional character's) lives get torn to shreds in front of my eyes? I suppose if you swear by those other flicks that utilize the same formula, you'll really enjoy this, but it's not for me. I fully endorse your purchase of the soundtrack though: Dan in Real Life
  
  

• really bad movie gets really bad review in real life

  
  By A3LRHICX0N3ONA on 2008-03-23
  pure, unadulterated cinematic garbarge. granted, to make such a bold statement requires valid reasoning...which i have. the following is a brief assessment of the movie:
  the characters are a bunch of yuppie scum who spend time on family talent shows, battle of the sexes crossword style, and lawn aerobics. the daughters (with the exception of the youngest) are snotty brats. the older one is a smart-mouthed know-it-all with a brain the size of a peanut. the other is a trashy little tramp with a promising future in the escort service industry. the brother is played by america's favorite joke-thief, dane cook, who once again fails miserably while simultaneously adding to his fanbase of pimply preteens and pathetic college student dorks. the love interest is beautiful, mensa-status smart, funny, perfect and completely unconvincing (and unwatchable). the rest of the cast can be summed up as nauseating jerks.
  i sat through the movie waiting for something interesting to happen and, tragically, it never did. it was the most overrated and uninventive vomit-inducer i've seen in a while. do yourself a favor and watch something else, anything else.
  
  
• spare yourself the torture
  By A20FJAEPG62PA7 on 2007-11-21
  coming out of this movie, i felt something i had felt before. i thought that the movie had good acting, some funny moments, the plot wasn't all that bad...but i HATED it. it made me want to sink down in my seat and cover my eyes(which i did in several parts). it was just so AWKWARD. every scene seemed to just be another situation that made me cringe. at one point, my friend turned to me and said "this movie's killing me". sadly, the only part that wasn't horribly awkward was the ending, which i literally foresaw every moment of from halfway through the film. the film also overused irony to the point of absurdity, and while most of the writing is decent some of the lines are just so bad they will stick with you all day. spare yourself the time and money.
  
  
• I felt like I wasted about an hour and a half...
  By A3VHLYBTGQHQ7O on 2008-03-22
  First of all, I'll be honest, I was expecting the "Forty Year Old Virgin" except this time the main character is a single dad. EHHHH!!! WRONG! But I still gave this movie an honest chance and parts of the movie were just stupidly put together.
  
  Here's what I liked about the movie: 1) Dane Cook is in it. 2)Steve Corell is in it. 3) The part of the movie where Dan mets his brother's girl friend and that dies down in a couple of minutes.
  
  Now the negatives. (SPOILERS) First, Dan's kids really really hate him throughout the whole movie and they don't show enough dorky or over protective behavior to warrant him being a crappy dad. They could have showed him missing plays or practices or more examples of him not paying enough attention to his kids, which he does neglect to pay attention to his one daughter only ONCE through out the whole movie. And at the end of the movie, nothing between them is resolved.
  
  Second, the family in this movie was stupid. Dan has a family consisting of like 600+ people at his parents' house and for the most part, except for Dane Cook, they 're all interchangeable. Sure there is a bald guy and the rest have hair... but that won't cut it. Besides none of the family looks like they could be related. GOOD JOB CASTING DIRECTOR!!!
  Point-in-case~ Dane Cook and Steve Corell. And to top it off, Dan's family is just really annoying and just intrudes on his business through out the move. I think if I had a family like that I'd probably never go to Thanksgiving without a weapon of sorts.
  
  Third, the story in this movie SUCKS. After Dan meets his brother's G/f nothing else happens except Dan then meets his brother's g/f at a bowling alley after she brakes up with Dan's brother and MAGICALLY the rest of Dan's family knows where he's at and shows up. Dan gets popped in the head by Dane Cook's character and the two never make up. In fact, Dane Cook steals Dan's date from one part of the movie. And then during the film's credits Dane's at his wedding. YEAH, OKAY!
  
  Fourth, the ending happens soooo quick it's pathetic. Maybe you saw it, but remember the end of "The Forty Year Old Virgin" where you get the sense of happiness, contenment, and just an overall feeling of everything in life is going to be okay? Every movie unless it's a horror movie or "Shindler's List" should have that same type of ending. This move doesn't and it sucks.
  
  So last advice: CHECK THIS OUT AND MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND maybe your opinion is different that mine and you can buy or rent this if you want, but in my opinion there are sooooo so many better movies out there.
  
  
• Barely Tolerable
  By A1JDMMPT58NK6S on 2008-03-23
  Sorry Steve Carrell, I love you, I rented this movie because of you, but I could barely watch this over-the-top lovey dovey family movie about a man in love with his brother's girlfriend. The relationships were unbelievable, the romantic interludes were cringe-worthy, and I'd like to have the two hours of my life back spent watching this movie.
  
  I also agree with the comments a few reviews down about the large family. I think that was the worst part of the movie, Dan's extended family is overwhelming, and corny. Half the characters should have been cut out of the movie.
  
  I'm sorry if this offends anyone, but this was not a good effort in the Romantic Comedy genre. Two stars because I can think of a few people who might like this, definitely not for me and I do not recommend this movie.
  
  
• Bad far outweighs the good
  By A2NH6XSE79X3VY on 2008-03-31
  This one starts out fairly well and cruises along pleasantly right up until Dan's family is introduced. I'll give it two stars only because there are a few funny moments here and there, but they only serve as false hope. Steve Carell is great and catches your interest right off the bat, but, the film SERIOUSLY derails during the shower scene in my opinion. Everything followed a fairly realistic and somewhat humorous approach until Dan's love interest hops in the shower. It was like a train hitting a wall at that point.
  
  At the immediate point she jumps in the shower, I remember thinking, this is going to start sucking now. And...oh....it does. It's like two different directors worked on this. The one who took over after the shower seems like an intern perhaps. You are then treated to a never ending barrage of "family" group activites which are so over-the-top corny that you will surely cringe. All I can say is there is far too much singing involved. If you're on my wave length at all, that's all I need to say.
  
  Carrell gets the two stars, but the rest of the cast is unremarkable and slightly annoying. This was likely a better role for Ben Stiller to play, but it's not nearly as intelligently done as Meet the Parents. Overall, this is too corny and sappy to make you think twice about it after the credits roll.
  
  
• This is how movies in the 21st century should be made.....
  By ANFBRV5PLG6JR on 2008-03-20
  This, along with a couple other movies now (only a couple though), is the revival of good script writing and good screenplays. This movie has zero special effects, but yet is such a good, good movie. I was very impressed. Carell can play a more serious role. This is where it's at. Dane Cook too did well out of his typical comedy role. I wish everyone would give this a chance. It's great.....More movies should be made like this. It's simple and great all in at once.
  
  
• Jeff in Real Life Wanted to Walk Out
  By A3N0O8HJTGD1FM on 2008-06-06
  Out of respect for Steve Carrel, Juliette Binoche, Dianne Wiest and John Mahoney, I'd like to pretend this all never happened. That's what I'd like to do. I can't do that, of course, because Dane Cook is in this movie too, and it's highly important that we all dislike Dane Cook. We must dislike him quite intensely, in fact. To create a sense of balance in the universe, we must dislike him in direct proportion to the amount of fame, money and success he's somehow managed to so inexplicably acquire. So, due to the fact that this movie represents one more bit of evidence as to why we should all dislike Dane Cook, we can no more ignore it than a good cop can ignore an axe covered in bloody fingerprints lying next to a hacked-up corpse.
  
  Speaking of things that have been hacked up, "Dan in Real Life" has just about all the humor and charm of the aforementioned corpse. It's not that this movie is just bad. It's REALLY BAD. It's bad in a way that makes the worst thing you've ever seen on the Lifetime Network look like "Raging Bull."
  
  The problem is that for a movie that tries soooo hard to touch our hearts, "Dan in Real Life" seems to forget that we also have brains. The story starts out fine: lovable, widowed Dan (Steve Carrel) takes his three daughters for a family weekend to his parents' mountain cabin. The whole thing takes a dive into the sewer, though, the minute Dan arrives at Mom and Dad's way-too-perfect lakeside retreat. If you really want to see this thing, stop reading now because I can't tell you how truly awful it is without throwing in a few spoilers.
  
  Once Dan gets to the cabin, you see, we're assaulted with one scene after another of the most nauseatingly hyper-sweetened visions of family life ever committed to film. It's not just that EVERYONE is so perfect, caring, witty and doggone likeable. It's the things the filmmakers have them do in the name of showing us what a well-adjusted clan they are. Between all the pancake breakfasts, apple-pie desserts, crossword puzzle competitions, sappy conversations about new girlfriends and family aerobics classes staged in front of the all-too-perfect cabin, there's not a believable moment to be found in the whole thing. (This is not cynicism! I like seeing movies about sweet, happy families! But watching these people is like being forced-fed a gallon of frosting through a beer bong.) And just when you thought Dan's family couldn't be any less like YOUR family, the adults and kids alike gather `round to strut their stuff in a good, old-fashioned living room talent show. Dan accompanies brother Dane Cook on guitar as the Danester sings "Did My Love Open the Door" to new gf Binoche. This he does in front of the whole family. Eeeeuw.
  
  It all begs the question: Are the filmmakers so unfamiliar with how things work in a real happy family that they have to create these pod people? Are the writers so out of touch that they think we'd LIKE to be in a family like this? And if the family is so ungodly perfect, why the hell do they take such delight in referring to a woman Dan's been set up on a date with as a "pig?" They make jokes, they improvise a little song...and they refer to her as a PIG about 3-dozen times, fer chrissakes! Sorry folks, but this is "Showgirls"-level writing. But, unlike with "Showgirls," there's nothing camp or over-the-top enough to allow one to enjoy this dreck even on an ironic level. It's just plain bad.
  
  May Dane Cook be forced to watch this crap in Hell for all eternity.
  
  
  
• Dan In Real Life
  By A3GUTAC5UVKUH on 2008-03-18
  When Steve Carell and Dane Cook were given top billing in "Dan In Real Life," I expected a great or mediocre comedy filled with laughs and humor. Congratulations again goes to the marketing that makes a film appear different than what it actually is. This is the case with "Dan In Real Life," a film that will make you laugh with the characters, but also make you bury your face into your arms at the awkward situations dealing with love.
  
  Dan (Steve Carell) is a widower, whose job is writing for an advice column in the paper and raising his three girls. As much as he's good at helping people, Dan can't seem to connect with his daughters. He decides to take the family to his parents' lodge for the weekend and while there he meets Marie (Juliette Binoche) in town and they immediately make a connection, only to separate soon after. Coming back to the lodge, he finds out that his brother, Mitch (Dane Cook) is dating Marie and Dan has to endure the weekend, tormented with the love he has for Marie and his daughters' dislike of him.
  
  First things first, "Dan In Real Life" is not a comedy. It does have touches of humor and slapstick throughout, but it's much more dramatic. The title character is depressed and trying to make life work for him and his family. This is the film's downfall, because at times, it doesn't know if it wants to be either a comedy or a straight drama. It lands in the middle of the spectrum and this hurts it slightly. Luckily, the acting is very good and keeps the film from being less than mediocre.
  
  Steve Carell is one of my favorite actors (huge fan of "The Office") and he didn't let me down here. From what I saw, he was in every single scene and he truly made them better. At one point, you'll be laughing at the absurdity of his situation, when you'll be sympathizing for his character the next (the "Let My Love Open the Door" scene). Carell makes Dan extremely likeable and a character to root for. Dane Cook gets a bad rap for his acting and although some of his movies aren't great, he does fine here as Dan's brother. Cook downplays it and his love for Marie is believable. He needs more roles like this. As the love interest, Juliette Binoche is great and has good chemistry with both Carell and Cook. All the acting was fine and was the best part of the film.
  
  What really hurt the film was Dan's daughters and the ending. Although the actresses playing them did a good job, their characters were so poorly written. Instead of being loving, they became annoying and grating. Dan is trying his best to help their situation, but they make it harder for him. Finally, the ending was too "sweet" for my taste. It seemed like it came too abruptly and the end credits montage had my eyes rolling. If they took that out, then maybe it would have fared better.
  
  Overall, "Dan In Real Life" surprised me in that it wasn't a consistently funny comedy, but a heartfelt drama. Unfortunately, it had a hard time juggling both genres. Thankfully, good acting helped the film along and made it better than it should have been.
  
  
• "It's The Light That Keeps Us On Course" ~ In The Plan Of Life Plan To Be Surprised
  By A141HP4LYPWMSR on 2008-04-11
  Synopsis: The '07 film `Dan in Real Life' follows a well worn storyline; chance encounter between Dan and Marie (Carell and Binoche) triggers the ever infamous love at first sight syndrome. That is until Dan discovers later that day that the new woman in his life happens to be dating his younger brother Mitch (Dane Cook).And wouldn't you know, this all takes place at a big family gathering where Dan fails miserably at hiding his newfound romantic inclinations for his brother's special guest. Will Dan win the fair maiden, or is Mitch the man of her dreams? I think you can figure that out on your own.
  
  Critique: This lighthearted, romantic comedy is an enjoyable family feel good film starring the immensely funny Steve Carell who seems to be everywhere recently, the classy French actress Juliette Binoche who has left the confines of her home country and language the last couple of years to venture out into American films and the irrepressible Dane Cook, another comedian with an ever increasing audience. Despite the fact that there's nothing new here the entire cast works well together, the storyline is fast paced and who doesn't enjoy watching Steve Carell fumble around trying to figure out the meaning of life?
  
  My Rating: Good entertainment for an evening when you just want to sit back and not use the old gray matter; -3 ½ Stars-.
  
  
  
• An overrated and derivative romantic comedy
  By AUB7WXM7IX81 on 2008-04-16
  I saw this movie only because of Steve Carell, expecting another throwaway romantic comedy. What I got was a bland, sub-standard film that ineffectively tackles issues of family and middle-aged romance. In the extremely contrived plot, Dan Burns falls in love with a woman during a chance encounter (to put it lightly) at a book store while in Rhode Island for a family reunion, only to discover that she is his brother's girlfriend! This setup provides an excuse for her to remain in the movie, and all the family members love her, as displayed in a sickening and cloying manner, which pretty much describes the rest of "Dan in Real Life," which doesn't resemble real life in the least.
  
  Dan, of course, is a widowed sadsack who passively takes out his misery on his two teenage daughters while maintaining a connection of sorts with his much younger third daughter. We're made to believe he is skilled writer for an advice column in a local newspaper, despite not being able to follow one bit of this advice in his own life. As his daughters accurately point out later in the film, Dan is nothing but a liar and a hypocrite, yet he is supposed to be warm and likable. His middle daughter despises him, and for good reason, because he doesn't approve of her new relationship with a boy at school. He claims he doesn't believe that someone can fall in love in a short period of time, as this girl repeatedly and annoying claims is indeed possible, but he does the exact same thing. In addition, he doesn't trust his older daughter to drive the family's car, a beat-up station wagon that looks to be about twenty years old, yet he has a series of run-ins with a local cop because of his own terrible driving. Incidently, these scenes provide the only chuckles this movie offers.
  
  The supposed romance between Carrel and Juliette Binoche is downright painful to watch. We never really understand how the two develop such strong feelings for each other, as their interaction is either provided through montages or conflicts. Dane Cooks adds another layer of annoyance as Dan's brother. The love triange also set the stage for a number of comic mishaps and awkward moments, none of which are funny or even the least bit touching.
  
  This movie was a moderate hit at the box office, although for the life of me I can't understand why. There's nothing original about it; it's predictable in every way. If you can stand watching a tepid relationship between the two leads develop in the forefront of a lame setup, you might enjoy this movie. The only reasons I am giving this movie two stars is because of a handful of mildly amusing scenes and Carrel's presence. However, even an actor of Carrel's considerable ability can only take this ponderous and over-familar material so far, and we are left with a lifeless, unromantic, and pointless movie.
  
  
• Ouch
  By AHE373V9NIH70 on 2008-04-24
  Now admittedly I did not see the entire movie. There's only so much torture I can take. Jeesh, so much acting talent wasted (no, I'm not including the ever-annoying Dane Cook here). I wonder how people like Carell and Binoche got sucked into this turkey. Is is possible it actually read well on paper? Hard to believe. Look, even if this was done well, the material is SO tired, SO predictable that it would have been unbearable. But, no, it was not done well. Ever character was remarkably tedious, each scene lamer than the last. Not a true or sincere moment in the entire enterprise. This is not a good film.
  
  
• Worst movie of 2007!
  By A257FB8LC1LF99 on 2008-04-29
  Dont let your wife force you to watch this piece of garbage. It may be the worst romantic comedy I have ever been forced to watch. I would much rather have watched an episode of sex in the city. Dane Cook, in addition to having a stupid first name has no business being on t.v. much less co-staring in a movie. He is extremely irritating as a comedian, and only mildly less so as an actor. Steve Carell should fire his agent.
  
  Jon Cremin ( dictated by his wife)
  
  
• Painful, Awkward, Real
  By A1EHTFVSD0H7I6 on 2007-11-23
  
  
  Almost as awkward as a coming of age story, Dan in Real Life, is full of sweet and grief filled moments. Steve Carell plays Dan, a parenting columnist who has single parented three daughters since his wife died four years earlier.
  
  He and his daughters pile into the car and head to Rhode Island to the family summer house. The cabin, full of brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews as well as his parents is a place where Dan can be himself and be humbled in the process.
  
  Carell plays grief-numbed very believably. I thought it might be difficult to separate him from Michael Scott, but other than flashes of Michael, Steve played Dan, and I bought into it.
  
  On day one with his extended family, Dan is chased away from the cabin by his mother when his daughters reveal togetherness tension. While away, Dan meets a woman and bares his soul.
  
  There are some touching scenes, humorous moments and a celebration throughout of family in all its warty importance. The familial interaction feels real. Of course, I come from a touchy, feely, in your face family. Some from hands off homes may struggle with the intimacy of the group.
  
  There is some predictability. Juliette Binoche plays Marie, who except for a few glimpses of emotion doesn't come across as right for Dan. But then, that's often the way friends and family see couples, as mismatched.
  
  Overall this flick is heavier than a first date movie or feel good romance and definitely worth looking into further.
  
  
• A sweet romantic comedy for adults
  By A25HYPL2XKQPZB on 2007-12-17
  Dan in Real Life is an romantic comedy geared towards adults. Steve Carrell stars as Dan Burns, an advice columnist raising 3 girls alone since his wife died 4 years ago. It is family vacation time so Dan and his girls drive out to his parents house. They are joined by his two brothers and sister and all their kids in what amounts to a huge mess of a family gathering. In other words, it is a gathering that looks just like one in my family. Dan escapes to go buy the morning paper and on the way meets a woman, Anna Marie, played by Juliette Binoche. They have a great time and Dan falls for her. He knows this is uncharted waters for him, but he takes a chance. He tells his family about it briefly, only to see Marie (what she prefers to be called) at his house. It seems Marie is his brother's Mitch's (Dane Cook) new girlfriend.
  
  The rest of the movie follows a few themes. Primarily, Dan is forced to watch Mitch and Marie have a great time knowing in his heart Marie is the one for him. Second, Dan has to struggle to be a good father to his daughters while finally stepping out and doing something for himself. Third, Marie and Dan slowly fall for each other and must find out a way for their relationship to be successful.
  
  I've glanced at a few negative reviews of the movie and some complaints included Dane Cook, the pig-faced song, the middle daughter, and the mass confusion of all the characters. I think this movie is my first exposure to Dane Cook and I had no problem with him. He plays the cocky, womanizing younger brother perfectly. While he may be a jerk to the ladies at times, he certainly loves his brother, and you can tell. The pig-faced song was kind of uncomfortable, but it works in this situation because it highlights the absurdity of Dan's plight and plays off the actual appearance of the "pig-faced" girl. The middle daugter, only 15, just "knows" she is in love and is at times over the top. But her obsession with her own love plays off Dan and his inability to confront love in his own life. Finally, there were definitely tons of family members there, brothers, sisters, cousins, etc. The mass confusion fit perfectly for the movie. You could tell the family loved and accepted each other.
  
  This movie is great for older couples, or for people that don't enjoy risque, raunchy humor. There aren't any nasty scenes or even bad language I can recall. If fact, I'm astonished this movie is PG-13. There is really nothing offensive in the movie. I'm a Carrell fan so might be overlooking the lack of chemistry between him and Binoche. When I watch a movie, I always hope for the best and refuse to be so picky that it harms my enjoyment of the film. Dan in Real Life was a sweet, fun movie and perfect for a date night without the kids.
  
  
  
• A Luke Warm Comedy Drama
  By A2I6MHMAZZDCRX on 2008-03-12
  Dan Burns (Steve Carell) is a widower trying to raise his three daughters as best he can. And as they are getting older, it isn't getting any easier. The oldest, Jane (Alison Pill), is begging for time behind the wheel. Middle daughter Cara (Brittany Robertson) is deep in the middle of her first true love. Which leaves the youngest, Lilly (Marlene Lawston), lost in the shuffle. If only Dan could deal with these problems as well as he doles out advice in his daily newspaper column.
  
  Every year in the fall, the Burns family meets at the parents' summer place for a few days to help get it ready for the coming winter. It's the only time all five of the kids plus their entire families are together. This particular year, Dan meets Marie (Juliette Binoche) the first morning on an errand in the nearby village. They spend some amazing time together, and Dan thinks he may finally be able to move beyond his wife. Before she leaves, he gets her phone number and learns she is already seeing someone.
  
  Arriving back at the family cabin, he discovers just who Marie is already seeing - his youngest brother Mitch (Dane Cook). Now he has to spend the next few days in very close proximity to her without falling for her. Just how awkward will this get?
  
  This is one of those movies that is almost impossible to define, mainly because it doesn't know what it wants to be. It was advertised as a comedy, but I found it more of a drama with funny parts. I mean, I still laughed plenty, but there were also plenty of touching and emotional moments as well. And along with the heartfelt emotion, there were plenty of shallow and embarrassing scenes.
  
  I've never been a fan of comedy that makes a fool out of someone, and quite a few of the scenes resort to that embarrassing brand of humor. That just left me squirming rather then laughing. Don't worry, this isn't gross out humor. Just awkward moments that are supposed to be funny to us.
  
  While it created some funny scenes, I never did understand why Dan was relegated to the laundry room. Why couldn't he join the rest of the single guys upstairs?
  
  Because of the large cast, the only two characters who truly get developed are Dan and Marie. Not that the rest of the cast is bad. Everyone does a good job with the little screen time they have. Steve Carell especially is great at letting us know exactly what his character is feeling with just one look.
  
  And I really loved the family dynamic. True, few families would get together for a week to play games and have an annual talent show. But that warm family atmosphere was truly enjoyable.
  
  This movie isn't bad. But it's not something I will be rushing out to watch again.
  
  
• Dan's a Winner
  By A1NC477I5AHP2H on 2008-03-13
  I watched this movie with low expectations, and to my surprise, I absolutely loved it. It's very good, nearly great, and it raises the bar on what a "Hollywood" film can be. It's got an excellent cast of not-quite-A-list actors, doesn't break any new ground, and has a tidy and fairly obvious ending...but it still works really well and feels like an indie film. I love the family in the film, and I especially love that it portrays a family's oddities and dysfunctions without the cartoonish antics of films like Little Miss Sunshine. (Don't get me wrong, I love that movie, but the wacky family theme is a bit played out at this point.) "Dan" does everything right - it's funny without being jokey, sad but not overwrought. I liked it so much that I watched it again, two days later, this time with my family. Everyone enjoyed it, as expected.
  
  
• OH YEAH!
  By A3HFGJZVN9BDRF on 2008-03-14
  All I can say is.. RUTHIE...! PIGFACE...! DRAPER...!
  
  Just kidding. I loved this movie. Some people didn't like the fact that it is comprised of 2 or 3 genres [comedy, drama, and romance (if you count that as a genre)] but to me, all those different genres is what made it complete. That's exactly what life is like! It's not just comedy all the time, nor is it always so dramatic and sad. This is a movie that you feel you can relate to. Also, I disagree with a reviewer that labeled the movie with 2 stars. He said that the family seemed fake. I really have to disagree. Anyone who has a pretty medium to large sized family would too.
  
  Dan's (Steve Carrell) daughter in the movie is the exact replica of my younger sister. I love the lines she is given. They make the whole audience crack up. Just listening to her crazy, passionate, teenage emotions reminds us of our kids or phases in our lives that we have gone through. It brings a smile to the face.
  
  Anyway, I know I'm not a good reviewer, but I'm just trying to make up for the people who rated Dan in Real Life with 1 or 2 stars. Sure there were awkward, frustrating moments and those do make me cringe, but somehow this movie turned out just right.
  
  All in all, the movie's great. When I watched it, I could tell the audience was enjoying every minute. Go see it. Just rent the thing and watch it and decide for yourself if you love it, like it, or hate it.
  
  
• Steve Carell officially a hero
  By A3G6N66V3T62YA on 2008-03-19
  The more I watch Steve in movies, the funnier he becomes. I loved this movie for the following reasons:
  
  1 Its genuinely funny, original and light-hearted
  
  2 The acting is great and the characters are represented by perfectly chosen actors/actresses. They all play their respective parts amazingly well and the directors could not have picked better actors.
  
  3 The setting and atmosphere were superb. A wooden lodge out in the country for a warm and highly desired family reunion for the world's most chilled and loving family. You almost wish you belonged to the family.
  
  4 The music is great and I look forward to getting the soundtrack.
  
  All of the above in combination means a great film where you can sink away from reality, really enjoy it and laugh. Excellent plot to round it all up.
  
  Not classically a chic flick...
  
  If you're looking for a good movie on a quiet night in with pizza... enjoy this to the maximum, ita awesome. Its also one to own.
  
  
• Dan in Love with his Brother's Girl
  By A28OB1QLXN5BM6 on 2008-03-23
  Dan in Real Life is a very sweet film, and my family and I enjoyed it quite a lot. Actor/comedian Steve Carell plays Dan, a newspaper advice columnist who has been a single parent to three daughters (two of them teenaged!!!) since his wife died.
  
  Carell plays the part of the grief-stricken, surviving parent, just trying to keep moving, in an extremely believable fashion. His interactions with his three daughters are extremely realistic; although, I would have grounded the middle child for the next 30 years. This, however, was part of the excellent portrayal of just how numb, withdrawn, sad, and lonely Dan really is. Carell's acting in this film is a very nice departure from his other roles, and he does quite a good job. The other members of the cast are also very realistic and enjoyable to watch.
  
  There is a really feeling of family in this movie, and it is lovely to see a basically normal, functional family coping with the joys and hardships of everyday life. There are emotional moments, humorous events, tense scenes, and an overall celebration of family life throughout, which come across as real, and are a true pleasure to watch.
  
  Yes, this movie is a bit predictable. However, it is warm, touching, and quite enjoyable. I recommend this film to just about anyone.
  
  
  
• ONE OF THE BEST FILMS I'VE SEEN IN QUITE SOME TIME
  By A3NY5JFGYCD6JB on 2008-03-26
  Why do a lot of folks think, while reviewing a film, that they have to give a synopsis of the plot, even when Amazon does that for everyone. Just stick to reviewing!! Please!
  ANYWAY.
  This film is well-written, well acted by a 19 member cast, beautiful setting, well - directed... what can I say. It's one of those films that just grabs you; I've watched it four times in a week. Steve is great.
  This one is a keeper!
  
  
• Tripe.
  By A13HUHXEQPX3YI on 2008-04-10
  I love this guy on "The Office" and looked forward to watching this movie, but it just isn't funny (or otherwise good). Juliette Binoche is out of place and unconvincing, and there really isn't a single character in the whole movie who is sufficiently developed. Instead the film relies on one worn out cliché after another as it falls all over itself trying to be cute and endearing and taking every possible shortcut along the way. Despite a promising cast (including John Mahoney, who I always enjoy), it never rises above the level of an old episode of "Eight is Enough" in terms of the dialogue, humor, sophistication or originality.
  
  
• "Dan is Real Cliche..."
  By A31T549XFEO6KM on 2008-04-14
  I have enjoyed Steve Carell in prior roles...but not here. The film is woefully miscast in its lead characters with Juliette Binoche looking and acting a full 20 years older than her supposed initial love interest, Dane Cook. The plot is so formulaeic that you know exactly what will happen and who will end up with who in the first 5 minutes and nothing that happens along the way comes as a surprise. The film works on almost no levels and is completely pedestrian in every way. Everything here has been done numerous times before and in better, funnier ways...don't rent, don't buy...move on and look for something else..
  
  
• At Last, A Romantic Comedy That's Funny and Lovely
  By A2I0CEBYLTLMXS on 2008-04-18
  If, like me, you think romantic comedies are becoming dumb and unfunny, you will be relieved to find this little gem. Dan in Real Life is everything a movie of this genre should be: touching, funny, and lovely. Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche are wonderful and the supporting cast is superb. I don't have a large family and this movie even made me wonder what I'm missing.
  
  
• So boring, I nearly fell asleep watching it
  By A2NIQTS8DFX0G2 on 2008-05-19
  What a dreadful film! The main premise is that 'our hero' Dan, meets a woman in a bookstore and then falls magically in love with her (after spending an afternoon with her, baring his soul - as you do to a complete stranger). And then finds out that she is betrothed to his brother, and his brother thinks that she is 'the one'. Dan and the woman then spend the rest of the film making eyes at each other. All highly unlikely and a very lame plot for a movie. The supposed irony is that Dan's job is giving advice to people having relationship problems. Yawn, yawn. I struggled to watch it to the end, and was horrified when the woman dumps the brother and goes off with Dan. It's just NOT what would happen in real life.
  
  I like Steve Carell, I love him in The Office, but if I were him, I would be embarrassed that I was in this film. And Juliette Binoche was awful as well - acted like a plank of wood. It was truly pathetic. I can't believe I actually forked out some cash to buy this DVD. Be warned, it is a true piece of nonsense from start to finish.
  
  
• "You are a murderer of love!"
  By A4UKBG3M5U5TI on 2008-05-20
  Steve Carell plays the title character; he's a widower with three daughters and writes an advice column named "Dan in Real Life." He has all the answers to his readers' difficult questions, but he's completely clueless as to how to put his own life back together after the death of his wife three years earlier. He's well-meaning but essentially failing as a father. During his family's annual get-together at his parents' gorgeous lake house in Rhode Island, he meets a charming woman (Juliette Binoche) who makes him consider love again. Unfortunately, for reasons that I won't reveal, he cannot be with her despite their mutual attraction. Will he take a risk or continue to avoid life?
  
  I vaguely recall when "Dan in Real Life" was released in theaters - mostly I remember the annoying poster of Steve Carell resting his head on pancakes that made the movie look like another over-the-top comedy. I had no interest in seeing the film at the time; however, "Dan in Real Life" is actually a sweet, gentle movie that's also filled with some nice quirks. Steve Carell's ironic humor is put to perfect use, and he's surrounded by a terrific supporting cast, including John Mahoney and Dianne Wiest. The talented Norwegian musician, Sondre Lerche, wrote and performed most of the music, which provides the perfect tone for scene after scene. The film was a genuine surprise - most highly recommended.
  
  
• Romantic chick flick
  By A2GPEV42IO41CI on 2007-10-31
  Dan Burns (Steve Carell) writes an advice column called, "Dan in Real Life," but IN real life, his three daughters think he has a lot to learn as a Dad. He and the kids go off to his parents' (John Mahoney and Dianne Wiest) house for a big family reunion where everyone loves everyone else, plays games and sports, and talks about feelings a lot. Dan meets a lovely woman (Juliette Binoche) at a bookstore and they immediately fall for one another; little does he know she's his brother's new squeeze and is joining the family for the weekend. Awkward!
  
  I was torn between being bored by this movie and liking it a lot. It's relentlessly low-key; the funny bits didn't make me laugh and the touching parts bordered on being corny, but still there was something attractive and sweet to it, and I ended up glad I saw it. Steve Carell (Evan Almighty) does his gloomy poker-face throughout, but has a certain realistic charm. (I do wish there had been more about his advice column.) Juliette Binnoche is good as the mature, sensitive lady who's looking for love; her understated performance grew on me and I found her quite appealing.
  
  The movie paints an idyllic picture of family life and love-at-first-sight, the seaside scenery is gorgeous, and it's suitable for viewing by all ages, although I think the target audience would probably be teenage girls who are consumed by the passions of young love. All in all, it's good enough for a rental on a blustery day with a warm fire and a cup of hot chocolate.
  
  

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