What It's About:
Dan (Steve Carell) is a local newspaper advice columnist "Dan in Real Life" who's attracted attention from a national syndicate that wants to meet him and his family. He is a widower with three daughters, two of whom are teenagers who treat him with open contempt at every opportunity. Dan takes his kids to his family's annual vacation at his parents' beach house in New England. On the way there, he meets Marie (Juliette Binoche) at a book store, where they talk, browse books, drink coffee, and realize that they are perfect for each other. There's one problem, however. She's dating his brother Mitch (Dane Cook), who brings her to the family vacation. Hijinks and dump truck loads of unrequited love ensue. Things become uncomfortable for Dan and Marie, then really uncomfortable for the rest of the family when they can no longer deny their attraction for each other. Dan's girls take a few minutes off from acting hateful toward their father to give him good advice, which he follows to a predictable but nonetheless wonderful ending.
Why It's Worth Watching:
Steve Carell is much more enjoyable in dramatic roles than comedic, in my opinion, and although this movie generates laughs, Dan himself is a sad and lonely widower who has given up hope for another love and lived for his daughters. He's so winning in every scene, but none more than when he sings Pete Townsend's "Let My Love Open the Door" and almost destroys his family (watch it, and you'll understand). Juliette Binoche is predictably luminous, absolutely beautiful in a way that few other actresses are, but warm, funny, silly, and sexy all at the same time. Dane Cook channels is natural BroDude/Douchebag persona for effective use as the charming but shiftless Mitch. The rest of the family is on point as well, especially Diane Wiest and John Mahoney as the parents. Anyone else who is part of a large family (Ever seen my holiday pictures? Bring a wide-angle lens, please!) will relate to the chaotic dynamic of love and drama that characterizes the weekend.
What's in it for Her:
Because I'm not a woman, I'm not entirely sure about this angle, but Marie likes Mitch; he's funny and simple, and because he's good-looking and sexy, they have a good time. But Dan is clearly the man she's supposed to be with, so what do you do when you meet Mr. Right but you're already dating Mr. Right Now? The fact that they're brothers further complicates matters for Marie, who is such a kind and gentle soul that she's willing to sacrifice her own happiness rather than cause pain to Dan and Mitch's family. She one of the more winning female characters in romantic movies because of her lack of selfishness, and that's so appealing. I also think women tend to be more sacrificing than men, so I'm guessing that women can identify with her feelings as well.
What's in it for Him:
This is a grown-up romantic comedy that deals with some serious issues, so it's appeal is really to a more mature male sensibility. What would it feel like to lose the love of your life too soon? It's something most of us would rather not consider, but we see Dan dealing with the reality of it. It's also got a real appeal for fathers of daughters; there is a point where they all go from "Daddy's little girl" to these eye-rolling, breath-huffing, sarcastic little women who treat you like the victim of severe head trauma. I'm happy to say that they grow out of it, but boy, those teenage years are trying. On the more positive side, it's easy to see why Dan would fall in love with Marie—who wouldn't?—but watching him try to keep on the straight-and-narrow for the sake of his brother and daughters—and failing hilariously—makes him all the more human and relatable.
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