Steve Carell has got to be one of the busiest actors around. He’s the lead in NBC’s hit comedy, “The Office.” He’s had a string of successful comedies at the box office and he has three films due out in 2008. Who would have thought that a second string “reporter” on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” would be one of the most popular and successful comedic actors around?
Carell’s newest film, “Dan in Real Life,” is a refreshing change from the raunchy comedies that were released this past summer. He plays Dan, a widower, newspaper advice columnist and father of three daughters. He’s a bit overprotective of his kids – the oldest is 17 and he doesn’t let her drive and the middle daughter is 14 who refers to him as the “murderer of love” – but his girls are his life.
Dan and his daughters head up to Maine for his annual family reunion, where we meet Dan’s parents, (played by John Mahoney and Dianne Wiest), and the rest of his family. As you’ve probably seen in the movie trailer, Dan runs into a woman in a book store that he makes a connection with, (Juliette Binoche). Moments later, we find out that she is Dan’s brother’s (Dane Cook) new girlfriend. So how does Dan deal with this? You’ll have to see the movie to find out.
“Dan in Real Life” is a movie that just makes you feel good. Quality humor is there throughout the film, and seeing both Carell and Dane Cook genuinely act, and not just act funny, is a real treat. The supporting cast is excellent, with Juliette Binoche being the shining star of the film. This is probably her most mainstream American film, and she is a pleasure to watch on screen.
Ultimately, though, “Dan in Real Life” is Steve Carell’s movie. There are moments when it seems like he is channeling his Michael Scott character from “The Office,” but for most of the film, we see a different side of Carell the actor.
When so many films today deal with grim and gritty subject matter, or are over-the-top comedies, a heart-warming comedy like “Dan in Real Life” is definitely worth a trip to the movie theater.