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Dan in Real Life
In theaters October 26th 2007
Some innuendo
Run Time: 98 min
Matt's rating - 4 out of 5
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Review by Matt Mungle
For a romantic comedy to work there must be likeable
characters with online chemistry and believability. In
real life no one is perfect and you want your
character's flaws to add to their personality and not
distract too much from it. Dan in Real Life pretty much
does all of these mentioned. There are warnings
everywhere for guys stating "Beware! This is a chick
flick and not a Carell comedy!" That is sort of true but if
anything it is a guy flick in that it is as much about
fatherhood and family as romance. I would think it a
perfect father daughter film. What a better way to
spend time with your offspring and maybe even spark
a few elements of conversation.
Dan (Steve Carell) is a single father of three
daughters who spends several days at an annual get
together with the large extended family. While there he
deals with his teenage daughter's angst and
hormones as well as his own desires when he finds
himself infatuated with his brother's (Dane Cook) new
girlfriend (Juliette Binoche). He has to choose the right
formula of father, brother and human male. The family
aspect makes it a romantic comedy with a deeper
side. And one that is brought out by not only the
directing but the genuine nature of the entire cast.
Though similar to other films in its plot and script, Dan
In Real Life is a step above. Carell is not simply, and
one dimensionally the Michael Scott most know him
as. He adds sincerity in acting that makes you believe
his character and relate to his emotions. He adds the
Real Life to this film in making Dan a normal guy
struggling with normal issues. It's not over played or
dumbed down. I was worried about his chemistry with
Binoche and how she would fit in a triangle with this
generation's Carell and Cook. But she was perfect.
Her natural beauty and warmth made her character
exactly what the script intended.
Dan in Real Life is rated PG-13 for some innuendo. I
think this is a stretch and I found it is a safe film for
anyone 11 and up. True the romantic elements and
serious decisions may bore your younger viewer, but
there is little to find offensive. If anything I loved the feel
this movie brings of family and quality togetherness.
As we enter the Holidays it is a nice reminder that time
spent laughing and playing with those we hold dear
can fix many an issue and make real life quite dandy. I
give this film a solid 4 out of 5 pancakes. It is fun,
romantic, and genuinely entertaining.
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Matt and Cindy are members of the North Texas
Film
Critics Association (NTFCA). For additional
reviews
and interview clips visit the website.
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Matt Mungle
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