Johnson Thomas 

Dan in real life 

Director: Peter Hedges
Cast: Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, Dianne Wiest, John Mahoney, Emily Blunt,
      Alison Pill
Rating: ***

This film is a contemporary comedy that attempts to deal with situations arising out of the life of a widower Dan (Steve Carell), a newspaper advice columnist, raising three daughters and falling in love with his younger brother Mitch’s (Dane Cook) girlfriend Marie (Juliette Binoche).

Director Peter Hedges (What’s eating Gilbert Grape, About a Boy) uses conventional formula to tell this laidback though affectionate tale, a mix of family angst and romance, about the necessity of actually living life even as you are besieged by life’s many responsibilities.

The treatment though, is not entirely enticing. The film has a pleasantly affecting tone while its structure is consistently old-fashioned. Dan’s anxieties and frustrations are dealt with gently and sensitively. Hedges brings home his message evocatively through gently orchestrated moments that welcome the smiles.

There are no high-flying laughter inducing gags - what you get instead are simple blissful moments deftly woven into the narrative. The script, by Pierce Gardner and Peter Hedges is touchingly funny, with very human characters mouthing dialogues that one can relate to easily. But the experience doesn’t really reach the level of high excitement.

There are several moments in the film more suited to a sitcom than the big screen. Dan’s repetitive bust-ups by the same traffic cop is a track that appears forced and serves no purpose. Dan being relegated to the special room at his parent’s home where he has to contend with the washing machine and other household gadgets appears as a ploy to gain some much-needed sympathy.

The film also has quite a few set-ups and jokes that fall flat, but they are not in the least bit offensive. Both Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche are first rate. Carell lends a rare warmth and understanding to grumpy, childlike Dan while Binoche strikes the right note as the wonderful and likeable Marie.