Dan in Real Life (2007)
Directed by Peter Hedges
***3/4
Take fabulous writer-director Hedges (of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? and Pieces of April fame). Add a great soundtrack, with the whimsy of Juno's but even better. A dash of the unexpected. Like, say, Juliette Binoche, in a very funny role. And Steve Carell in a really good performance (note: I normally just tolerate the guy). This is the sort of thing that could easily become a family favorite. The tale: advice columnist Dan is a little lonely, since he's raising three daughters after their mothers' death. But cheer up! It's the time of year to visit the big happy family of brothers and sisters. On his first day there, he just may have met the woman who can make everything work out OK again. Or has he? I think I might recommend this to anyone I've ever met. Or at least to you.
I too was pleasantly surprised with this film. It was refreshingly entertaining.
Posted by: Jonathan | 30 June 2008 at 04:51 PM
I agree! This was an excellent movie. Great familiar family humor.
Posted by: Tom | 07 May 2008 at 04:31 PM