Maddie O'Brien
Period 5
Mrs. Lodge
12 February 2012


Dan In Real Life Movie Review

This 2007 film can be and is labeled as a number of different genres, and every one of its "multiple personalities" contribute to the overall appeal of the family flick. Especially with Valentine's Day only two days away, this movie is a must see, even if it's not the first time you've seen it. As a romance and drama, it portrays a story of conflicted love and internal confusion, but at the same time the comedy is home to various hilarious actors like Dane Cook to make the seemingly heavy-hearted story a little less intensely emotional. The movie in a word can be described as bittersweet, and in combination with its witty but well-thought-out dialogue and talented actors it is nonetheless- the best in every aspect.


The best is defined as "of the highest quality, excellence, or standing," which is exactly what this movie is. The actors and sentimental plot-line of Dan In Real Life come together to create a masterpiece that all families should see and think about, whether or not they've experienced something as traumatic as a loss of a loved one.


Steve Carell's role (Dan) as a widowed advice columnist with three daughters is the type of character that almost everyone can relate to. During the first day of an annual trip to his mother and father's vacation house, he escapes to the town bookstore where he meets and flirts with a woman (Marie), prodding around the store as if he were an employee trying to help her find a book. They end up talking for hours but only when she gets a phone call does he discover that she is in a relationship. Not long thereafter, he returns to the house only to find out that Marie is his brother's new girlfriend. This is the basis of the story, and it goes on to show how the many conflicting and unaware emotions were dealt with in the house. The emotional appeal of the characters and plot is one factor that makes the movie nothing less than the best. 


Carell's character deals with the pressures of his family, who know he met a girl but aren't aware that it is Marie, along with keeping secrets from his brother and seeing Marie all day, every day. His youngest daughter only strives to be loved by him, his eldest wishes only for his approval and the privilege of driving. His middle daughter, however, is maybe the most important role, as she criticizes him for not letting her see the boy she "loves" and forces him to come to the realization that love has no boundaries and no schedule to go by. Her role is what finally gets Dan to understand that it may only take three days to realize that you love someone. This aspect of the movie is what makes it the best, because his mess of a life is something that everyone feels they can relate to in some way, shape, or form.


The family catches Dan and Marie kissing at the bowling alley and he explains that she was the girl he'd met in the book store just a few days earlier, but they don't seem to be willing to forgive him, and she leaves without return. 


Throughout the movie Dan is waiting to hear about the new job opportunity in a much more renowned newspaper, and it is not until later on in the movie during the final interview he realizes that he himself needs to learn to take his own advice, and this revelation is what drives him to go after this "forbidden love". The film truly comes together at the end when he admits to himself that he has been neglecting his daughters, and goes after Marie even though she has broken up with his brother and left him as well. During the credits the story ends at their wedding reception. 


The creative plot and the unexpected twists are only a couple parts of what make this movie of such high quality. Its relatable characters and humor, along with its heartfelt underlying messages combine to make a film that truly is the best.


Works Cited


http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/best
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0480242/