Well, once again, I was taken by surprise (and isnt that when we really enjoy movies the most...really?!). I went to the theater, and ending up going to see Dan In Real Life, as a product of timeing, not choice. I thought going in that my concern would be that this movie feature Steve Carrell (of The Office fame) would be insipid and perhaps even boring. Would I be able to endure it. Well, like I said, I was surprised. The surprise was that not only is the movie well made, it is very touching and poignant emotionally.
Dan, played by Steve Carrell plays a widower who writes an advice column. He is pretty good. Some of his advice includes inquiring of a mother complaining because she "has" to cook different meals for each of her picky children by asking what she is operating a restaurant or a home. Very salient and incisive advice like this has stood him in good stead and he is is in hopes of being syndicated shortly.
The irony is that unlike his "professional" life, his personal life is not quite so idyllic. He finds himself struggling and often failing raising 3 daughters on his own. In fact during at least half of the movie, two of those 3 daughters is barely speaking to him at all. By telling you this, I am not telling you too much...believe me WHY is very important to the story line.
As could be expected, love rears its head and he has to deal with THAT on top of everything else. To say that "trouble ensues" is putting it mildly.
I found this movie very emotional and ended up crying during several sections and more especailly at the end. Since I was not presenting as Vickie for the viewing, you can imagine my concern to kind of be discrete with my tears, but they were hard to hide. Maybe I should have read the New York Times movie review before going. Surely the fact that they lists as "similar movies" several including Keeping the Faith would have served as a bit of warning. But then maybe I didnt need to be warned as much as I needed my heart and soul warmed by the beauty of this movie.
At one point in this movie, there is a rendition of "My Love opened The Door" that was both the most off-key and yet the most heart touching rendition I have even heard.
To say I recommend this movie is an understatement. I am reminded of what a somewhat drunk friend said one time after having a particular deliscious plate of pate..."It changed my life"..and it might just change yours. If nothing else, like myself, you might just see another side to the comedic silliness of Steve Carrell. I swear I think I fell a little in love with him based on this movie.