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Unrealistic Issues Cloud “Real Life” |
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Written by ALAN SIMONIS
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Friday, 09 November 2007 |
This movie is called “Dan In Real Life”, but for the life of me, I can’t seem to find the realism. Stock characters and manufactured drama? Yes. Realistic, believable behavior? Nope. That’s not to say that “Real Life” isn’t entertaining- it’s an enjoyable viewing, thanks largely to the charms of star Steve Carell. However, as a film it’s an unholy mix of family film and romantic comedy- if “The Family Stone” collided with “While You Were Sleeping” while carrying “Liar, Liar”, the results would probably look a lot like “Dan In Real Life.”
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“Dan In Real Life”
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 Entertainment
 Art
Rated: PG-13
Released on October 26, 2007
Directed by: Peter Hedges
Written by: Pierce Gardner and Peter Hedges
Starring: Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche
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First off, the family film: Dan (Carell) is an advice columnist, and a widowed father of three daughters. Each is a standard issue child- worldly oldest daughter Jane (Alison Pill), boy-crazy middle child Cara (Brittany Robertson), and earnest young Lilly (Marlene Lawston). Like many family film dads, Dan is having a tough time relating to his kids- too controlling for Jane and Cara, not attentive enough for Lilly. He also has problems separating his work and family life. That’s already two stock plotlines- now let’s move on to the romantic story…
One weekend, Dan takes his family from New Jersey to his parents place in Rhode Island for a big family gathering- it’s not clear exactly what the event is, however no turkey means we can rule out Thanksgiving. All of his siblings, and their extended families will be there as well, including younger brother Mitch (Dane Cook) and his new girlfriend Marie (Juliette Binoche).
This is where the unrealistic elements begin to pile up: before he can be introduced, Dan meets Marie at a local bookstore, where he is sent to procure newspapers for the family crossword puzzle race (yes, you read that correctly). They instantly hit it off, even though they live in different states (neither one being the one they are in), he’s visiting his parents, and she’s “in a relationship.” He promises to call her sometime, not knowing that they’ll ultimately be spending the weekend together.
When they are introduced at the house, they are uncertain how to proceed. Marie, at least, has the good sense to suggest they just tell everyone what happened. It’s a great plan- unfortunately it would mean there would be no movie- at least the kind of movie writer/director Peter Hedges is looking to make,. This is the film where Dan is forced to hide in a running shower while Marie talks with one of his children, and where he has to help Mitch sing her a love song, and where Mitch and Marie go along with Dan on a blind date.
I personally would’ve loved to see that other film- the one without all the emotional miscues and sneaking around. It would certainly make a lot more sense than two people attempting to hide an attraction that is obvious to most of the family. In general though, I think there is a lot of comedic potential in seeing how two brothers would interact when one knows the other is into his girl. At first they laugh it off, but eventually the rivalry kicks in. Ultimately she decides to be with one or the other, and they all come to an understanding. It can be done in a real way that’s still engaging to an audience- and hey, no one can say they’ve seen it before. |
Maryeh
Written by Guest on 2007-11-21 00:55:03
I liked this movie because it was light-hearted and non-violent. A little lame at times, but better than the action, shoot 'em up that seems to dominate our culture. I'm in a college theater class and was looking for information on stock characters...thanks for the insights! ;o) |
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