Monday, April 7, 2008

Dan In Real Life

Story: Dan, a widower and father of three daughters; finds himself falling for his brother's girl at the annual family get-together.

Review: Peter Hedges, Director of "About a Boy", has crafted a delightful piece of cinema. As soon as we are introduced to the family, you immediately feel the genuine warmth and love they have for one another. It is refreshing to see a family who generally like each other. Many movies today are hyper-focused on the "shock value" instead of good quality entertainment. "Dan In Real Life," reflects a family we don't typically see on the silver screen, something we need to embrace more often. Steve Carell's character, has always put his girls needs and wants before his own. But when he falls "head over heals" in love with Marie, he finds himself yearning for a relationship he has long missed. This story moves us not because we pity Dan, but because we love him and want the best for him. It reminds us of our own loneliness and how we so desire to share our lives with someone we love.