Review of Dan in Real Life (2007) by Emilia D — 18 Jul 2011

Its rare that a films comes along and does everything it sets out to do, leaving little behind. The whole cast are very strong with excellent performances from them all, the direction and script are warming and funny, and we can strongly empathise with the main character, Dan, and end up forgiving him his faults, although they are major and tho we may not expect ourselves to do so. There are a few contrived moments the film, I dont know how the audience are expected to believe any mother would wish her son goodnight just before starting a wash load next to his bed, especially the thoughtful, intelligent matriarch played by Dianne Wiest. But these unfortunate trips are overshadowed by the rest of the film, and in the end are forgivable.

Dan in Real Life is a warming, funny, and interesting film which leaves you with a lovely satisfied feeling afterward. The book Marie tries to buy at the beginning of the film is everything this film tries to be, and it succeeds with aplomb. It comes very high on my recommended-watch list.