Dan in Real Life

"Dan in Real Life" is a cute, occasionally funny, but instantly forgettable movie starring Steve Carell. It's a safe date movie.

Carell stars as Dan, a widowed newspaper columnist struggling to raise his three daughters, each at a different age needing attention. The story is set at the annual family reunion as they prepare the summer cottage for the winter months. The entire family gathers for the weekend challenging each other in crossword competitions, exercising aerobically, and participating in a talent show. They also get involved in Dan's life as he has not moved on four years after his wife's death.

In a valiant effort to take a break from the family, Dan heads into town where he meets Marie (Juliette Binoche) at a bookstore. It's love at first sight for Dan as he spends most of the day talking and opening up to this woman he has just met. As she prepares to leave, Dan learns that Marie has a boyfriend, but is still brave enough to get her number. Dan returns to the summer house where the family quickly picks up on the fact that his attitude on life has changed. As he explains his meeting to the family, his brother's (Dane Cook) new girlfriend arrives to join in on the reunion. See where this is going? Yes, it's Marie.

The rest of the movie revolves around Dan's attempts to forget his interest in Marie. They decide to keep their afternoon encounter, and growing infatuation, a secret from the family. This, of course, doesn't work. Unfortunately, comedy does not ensue when it should. This is more of a heart-warming family feel-good movie than it is a comedy. While Carell and Cook are both good in their roles, Binoche seems out of place with both men. The romance simply doesn’t play.

"Dan in Real Life" is predictable from the start. There are few laughs, and again, it's safe. At the same time, is that so bad? It was for me, but the people around me really seemed to enjoy it. It's not a bad option if you're wanting to avoid the line of kids at the animated shows or the violence of gangster movies. I give it a B-.

"Dan in Real Life" is rated PG-13 with a running time of 95 minutes.