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Rating:  - A heart-warming comedy about the pitfalls of love
Dan is a widower raising 3 kids (all of whom have reasons for disliking him, as children are wont to do with their single fathers in Hollywood films). When he goes on a trip to a family get-together, and meets a woman in a bookstore, he sees a new hope for his future--until that girl turns out to be his brother's girlfriend...
"Dan in Real Life" isn't a perfect movie. The plot--specifically, certain scenes--are a bit contrived. And there isn't much chemestry between Carrell and Juliette Binoche at first (there's more later on, specifically during the bowling alley scene). But the film never really sets out to be perfect--in fact, it deals with the imperfections of love. Dan's own brother tells him he should do whatever it takes to get this girl--but how can Dan do that, when it's his brother's girlfriend? Combine that with the tired-joke of a self-help writer who can't help himself, and you've got the makins for a (feel) good comedy.
If nothing else, watch the movie for Steve Carrell. Those who know him from "The Office" or "Anchorman" or even "40 Year Old Virgin" might be a bit shocked...but don't be. Carrell isn't just one of the great comedy actors of our time--he can do drama, too. He will break your heart. Dane Cook surprised me; I'm not much of a fan of his standup, and even though he won me over in "Mr. Brooks," I was skeptical about this particular casting choice. However, he is remarkable (I still refuse to watch "Employee of the Month" though, and am ignoring "Waiting"). Juliette Binoche is charmingly out of place as the girl torn between two men (I think a little more could have gone into developing her character). Peter Mahoney is remarkable as always, and the rest of Dan's family (good lord, was Amy Ryan in EVERY movie released in the past year?) is superbly portrayed. The "piggy song" sequence in particular is pure and utter enjoyment.
So "Dan" isn't perfect (both guy and movie), but is certainly enjoyable (again, guy and movie). It does indeed border on the "feel good" comedy genre, but has hints of genuine pathos in there, far more than most comedies. It's not really a romantic comedy (don't think of it like that; if anything, it's the antithesis)...it's more in a genre of its own. And hopefully, it will inspire Steve Carrell to broaden his horizons further (as he did previously in, say, "Little Miss Sunshine," though this is certainly more an out-right comedy than that darkly humorous little gem). The man can make you laugh 'til your sides hurt one second, and rip your heart out of your chest the next. He, and the rest of the cast, breathe life and soul into this engaging comedy/drama about what a pain in the butt love can be.
Rating:  - Incredible film
I love this movie. It is a sweet, sweet story of a single father taking care of his 3 teen/tween daughters. On an annual trip to a family reunion of sorts he meets and becomes smitten with a woman he cannot have. It is a well written, well acted movie. Love it, love it, love it. Highly recommend. Steve Carell and Dane Cook (but especially Steve) are awesome (comedic actors are often really good at the more serious roles).
Rating:  - So boring, I nearly fell asleep watching it
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.
Rating: - Good not Great
I think a lot of people are disappointed with this picture because they expected a comedy. You hear the name Steve Carrell and you expect something crazy. Especially if you see some of the co-stars(including Dane Cook). This isn't really a comedy. It does have moments of gentle humor and silly situations, but it is more of a family drama. I would say it is a modern day Parenthood. Dan is a widower with 3 daughters. Dan writes an advice column about life. On his way up to Rhode Island for a family visit, he runs into a woman he falls in love with. The only problem is that the woman is his brother's new girlfriend. Steve does a terrific job. He seems like such a heartfelt actor and can do comedy or drama with equal skill. I would certainly watch this again, and I think if you know what you are getting into you, you will enjoy this as well.
Rating: - Sit-Com but Good
Wife, 20-something daughter and my old grizzled self enjoyed Dan in Real Life last night. I walked in the room after the film had already begun, just in time to catch the bookstore scene where the widower and father of teen girls meets his new love, Juliette Binoche. No, I'm not going to rent the English Patient, so don't bug me. Carell's awkward infatuations amuse and Marie (Binoche) is attracted, but there's a problem.
Most of the scenes, a play of manners really, in a Bernard Shaw sort of way, as in the Importance of Being Earnest perhaps, is written by Peter Hedges, Pieces of April. This one flows better than P of A, the characters a bit more believable. After all, this is a comedy and the small vacation house with so many kids and adults, something claustrophobic and comical must happen always. I think some of the viewers complained about TV-Sitcom like scenes, one-room situations of embarrassment or one-liners, but I didn't mind.
Look, I'll leave it to the longer reviews to give you a scene by scene; DIRL is a touching, smart comedy that most human beings might enjoy. By the way, it's white people in their habitat.
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