Dan in Real Life
Rated: PG-13
Steve Carell is a tremendous comedian and while his improv skills are admirable, he needs the space to turn in a great performance. Earlier this year, he didn't get that in Evan Almighty and he was forced to utilize only the broad comedy that "worked" for Jim Carrey (I think the first film is pretty terrible, but as far as comedians go, broad humor works better for Carrey). But with Dan in Real Life, he takes what could have easily been a mediocre movie and utilizes his comedic talent to transform it into a charming and enjoyable family film. Dan Clay (Carell) is a parenting advice columnist with three daughters aged 17, 14, and 9. His wife and their mother died four years ago and Dan has been so busy focusing on his girls that he hasn't sought personal romance. But then, during the annual family renuion week, he meets Marie (Juliette Binoche, doing her best to charm despite not having much of a character) at a bookstore and she sweeps him off his feet. There's just one problem: Marie is actually dating Dan's brother, Mitch (Dane Cook). From there, Dan is thrown into a moral conundrum which results in some light-and-warm-hearted comedy. It's Carell's immense comic talent that keeps Dan likable despite his numerous and monumental screw-ups during the week. It's a joy to watch Carell, especially when placed next to a nightmare like Cook. I don't have the energy to despise Cook and even found his Harmful If Swallowed album pretty brilliant. But this is the third film I've seen him in and he's played himself all three times and has just become a self-parody. Teenage girls and frat boys may love his schtick but here he's constantly drawing focus instead of trying to work with this ensemble. There's nothing inherently unlikable in his character. There's just something inherently unlikable about his performance. But if you can still tolerate Cook and if you’re a fan of Carell, Dan in Real Life will win you over and provide a fun family film you can actually enjoy with your family. Words by |