Review of Lars and the Real Girl (2007) by Keith — 18 Oct 2007

I've been surprised by some of the negative reviews. I consider myself to be a skeptical movie lover, and even I find some of these reviews to just be plain snarky and off the mark. Yes, maybe the small town depicted here is idyllic.

Maybe the conceit is somewhat hard to buy. If you can accept a world of wizards and hobbits, why not a town where people respond to Lars with kindness and acceptance? The movie, I think, exists as a sort of fable about how fragile we are and how kindness and love can heal.

Frankly, I'm not sure I'd want to know someone who can see this movie and not respond to it positively. What's next? It's a Wonderful Life is bunk, manipulative, and schmaltzy because it's about an angel? Come on.

Lighten up. I found the movie very satisfying with performances that registered as utterly authentic and sincere. The screenwriters and director do a wonderful job of maintaining a consistent tone that never tilts too far to mockery or quirkiness.

Ultimately, it's Gosling's triumph. The movie succeeds largely because we, like the townspeople, love him. That Gosling also makes us laugh without seeming to try to do so is a wonder. Lovely, irresistible, touching.