Movie reviews, production notes, and more! - "Dan in Real Life"

Movie Review: Dan in Real Life

Film Review By Michael Phillips, Tribune Movie Critic Can a low-key, highly agreeable charmer such as "Dan in Real Life" make itself heard in today's shrill comic marketplace? I hope so. While there's no denying the formidable raunch and formidable verbal wit of "The 40 Year-Old Virgin," "Knocked Up" and "Superbad" - louts on the outside, sweeties underneath, good comedies all - it's possible to like or even love those films and still have a place in your heart for something more old-school. Make no mistake: There's a formula at work in "Dan in Real Life." Among other things, the film shows off Steve Carell, star of "Virgin" and the American version of "The Office," as ready, willing and able to play comedy in a different, more confidential key. He plays an advice columnist on the brink of syndication, still grieving the death of his wife four years earlier. While casting Carell as a widower father of three - think Fred MacMurray with daughters instead of sons - opposite Juliette Binoche may sound like more of a novelty than an inevitability, the result feels right. These two very different stars relate well on screen. And the story has ... read more Official Web Site: http://www.daninreallife-themovie.com Back to main movie page Showing Today at: Click here for other showings