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Dan's the Man

DVD Review: Dan In Real Life starring Steve Carell

Dan In Real Life Every over the top comedian has their one gem - the one where audiences can once and for all sit up and take notice of their actual acting ability. For Adam Sandler it was Punch-Drunk Love; for Jim Carrey it was Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; for Will Ferrell it was Stranger Than Fiction. Dan In Real Life is most definitely that role for Steve Carell. In it, he proves what most fans of his comedy already suspected: that he is capable of comedy, drama, and a lot of heart (even all three at once). Who'd have thought that Carell could play a romantic lead with finesse? But, oh, he can.

Dan In Real Life is pretty much a standard romantic comedy - but there is one thing that this film has above all the rest: an ensemble cast that is oozing with fun and heart. Carell plays the lead, Dan, a writer and single father of three daughters. Dan has given up on love, content with his life with his children and the satisfaction he finds from writing his "Dan In Real Life" advice column. That is, until he meets Marie (the luminous Juliette Binoche; I so love her!), a smart, beautiful woman with whom he has immediate chemistry. For anyone familiar with romantic comedies, it won't come as a surprise that this story isn't as easy as these two finding one another and hitting it off. No, conflict must ensue: this time, it occurs when Dan finds out that Marie is actually dating Dan's brother, Mitch (Dane Cook, who doesn't do as badly of a job as the younger brother as you might think).

Rounding out the family chemistry is John Mahoney as Dan's father, Dianne Wiest as his mother, Jessica Hecht as his sister, and a talented young cast of actors playing his daughters, nieces, and nephews. The cast provides a solid, supportive, and - most of all - believable, base for Dan to wallow in his awkward self-pity (something Carell does best) - as well as discover the strength to move on in life. What ensues is a fabulously charming, heartwarming tale of friendship, family, new love, and new beginnings.

All in all, the message from Dan In Real Life is just as much about finding a second chance at love as it is about the togetherness of family. For once, we get to see a family that has its dysfunctions - sure - but is also happy, loving, and close. One of my favorite moments in the film is seeing the family doing their weekend ritual: purchasing two copies of the local paper so that they can do a crossword contest: boys vs. girls. The chemistry between the entire family is palpable; either these actors really get along well in real life or they're faking it very, very well. I suppose what I'm trying to say is: I dare you not to smile during this film, and not to allow your heart to become even just a tad bit lighter.