Dan in Real Life

An excellent film that both makes you laugh and caresses, and whose intelligent script doesn't abuse the romantic plot for emotional blackmail, which is definitely one of the film's biggest plus points. A great Steve Carell, a charming Juliette Binoche, three daughters, none of whom are unsympathetic or otherwise annoying... Well, now I've seen what can happen during a simple family reunion. (12/04/2011)

One of the coziest and most endearing romantic comedies I know, and one I love coming back to. Probably most of the credit for this goes to the casting choices, which are extremely likeable. Steve Carell is a great fit, you wish him love. I actually discovered him through this film and he immediately became one of my favorites. Juliette Binoche is very cute and her laugh must put a smile on everyone's face. My favourite Emily Blunt appears here too and the whole plot with her is endearingly comical. As I mentioned at the beginning, Dan in Real Life is a great, easygoing, authentic, and sweet film that caresses the soul. (27/04/2023)

I love Steve Carell in this one. When he acts and doesn't overdo it, that is. Or at least mostly. With Juliette Binoche, it suits him perfectly, and there's amazing chemistry between them. She's unreal when she's jealous. A beautiful story that life itself could have written. It's simple and yet beautifully complicated at the same time. Isn't that what we're experiencing? And if not in reality, then at least in our fantasies. Surprisingly, the ending doesn't feel awkward, even though in other films it might have. The film mostly evokes pleasant feelings, and I'm glad for that. (18/02/2014)

Too bad Peter Hedges isn't as good a director as he is a writer. The likeable story is well acted, realistic, and funny, but fizzles out rather to nothing towards the end. As a screenwriter, though, Hedges has a lot to offer. It just needs to be made by someone more experienced next time. (14/06/2008)

I have the same problem with this film as with Love Actually. Both films tug at your heartstrings, both are full of annoying clichés, but for reasons unknown to me, they make me suppress my innate cynicism. If only the kids in the film hadn’t been so annoying all the time (especially the heart-to-heart with the father just before the end was enough to make me puke), I might have even thrown in a fifth star. Mainly because it’s the first time I've realized Steve Carell can do better than just comedy (sometimes of questionable quality). (23/10/2020)