Dan in Real Life

Typically, I don’t see comedies because the humor is often based on the stupid - you know, stupid people doing stupid things. So it was with some trepidation that I went to see “Dan in Real Life.” After all, the previews do show Steve Carell getting caught in a shower with his clothes on, falling off a roof into the flowers, and doing a really stupid dance. However, most of the humor in this appealing story about life, loss and love is gentle and thoughtful. Dan (Carell), a widower with three daughters, is an advice columnist, one who gives good advice, but is often not an understanding or compassionate father. As his youngest says, “You’re a good father, but not a very good dad.” During a family gathering, Dan falls for Marie (Juliette Binoche), his brother Mitch’s (Dane Cook) new girlfriend. This makes for a lot of awkwardness before things are straightened out at the end. The one jarring note is Binoche at 43 is supposed to be near in age to Carell and Cook and while Binoche is radiant, it’s hard to believe that her character would be interested in the younger Mitch. Nonetheless, “Dan in Real Life” is a pleasant surprise. (10/28/07)