Dan in Real Life

Before I begin, I'd like to say that Dan in Real Life (2007) is not Steve Carell's usual style. By this, I mean there's no inappropriate Michael Scott jokes (as seen in the American version of The Office) or over-the-top acting that is normally associated with his typical characters. Having said this, the film is not void of humour (rest assured, there are plenty of laughs to be had as it is a comedy) and is equally heartwarming and charming as it is funny. All this, plus the amazing cast including Dianne Wiest (Parenthood) and Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada, The Young Victoria).

The film begins with advice columnist and widower Dan Burns (Steve Carell) preparing to take his three daughters Jane, Cara and Lilly (Alison Pill, Britanny Robertson and Marlene Lawston) to an annual family gathering at the home of his parents (John Mahoney and Dianne Wiest) in Rhode Island. After their arrival and because of the rocky journey where Dan manages to fall prey to his each of his daughter's fury (involving a lovesick Cara falling in love after three days, a resentful Jane who wants to earn her father's trust and the youngest Lilly, who Dan refuses to believe is growing up), Dan's mother persuades him to go into the nearby town so that he can give his daughters, and himself, some much needed space. It is here in the local bookstore where Dan meets Marie (Juliette Binoche), who befriends Dan after a brief misunderstanding where she thinks he is an employee of the store. Over the course of the morning during a lengthy breakfast, we can see that there is an obvious connection between the two.

Unfortunately, Marie's phone rings and interrupts their conversation, leading to a hasty exit on Marie's part. This is where the catch comes in. Marie has a boyfriend. During their hurried goodbye, Dan convinces Marie to give him her phone number so they can continue talking (she agrees, seeing no harm) and upon his return to his parents' home, he informs his family about 'the woman in the book store'. This is where he is introduced to his brother Mitch's (Dane Cook) new girlfriend. Of course, it turns out that this girlfriend is in fact Marie.

This is the real beginning to the film, where we see the two leads trying to deny their feelings for each other with hilarious consequences, including a declaration by Dan to make himself less attractive to Marie, followed by a would-be awkward shower scene if it weren't for Carell being utterly funny even when doing the smallest action and an unquestionably funny dance-off between Dan and his blind date, childhood friend Ruthie Draper (Emily Blunt) and Mitch and Marie.

I truly believe Carell shines in this much more subtle role, showing a completely different side to him that I've not witnessed on this scale in his other characters before. Binoche is extremely likable in the role of Marie, even in the scenes when she could - or should - be reproved for. Even the supporting cast members provide some laugh out loud moments, especially during the 'Ruthie Pigface Draper' song (in time, if you see the film, you will understand this).

The soundtrack, the majority of which has been composed by Norwegian singer/songwriter Sondre Lerche, adds to the quirkiness of the film and certainly gives it that unique feel.

However, I can't deny that the ending to this film is predictable, as most comedy-drama film endings are. Having said this, I believe it doesn't lessen the quality of the film in anyway and would still recommend it if you're in the mood to be cheered up on a particularly rainy day.