OK for kids 13+
Love hurts in predictable rom com. OK for teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although this Steve Carell comedy is fairly tame overall, it does include some violence, innuendo, and other iffy behavior (Dan and Marie share a shower, they lie to Dan's family, and Dan flirts with Marie inappropriately in front of his whole family). Dan also gets a black eye and a broken nose and is in a minor car accident. A mother's death is mentioned, and a teenager lies to her father about dating a boy (he sneaks up to make out with her on the family vacation). One character makes jokes about "self-love" and "unclogging the pipes," which may lead tweens to ask about sex and masturbation. Language includes one use of "f--k."
- Families can talk about the difference between how love is portrayed in movies and how it is in real life. Why do you think so many movies pair depression and misery with love? Is it funny to watch romantic movies like that? Why or why not? How fun do you think it would be to actually be in a relationship like that? In this movie, Dan and Marie lie about their attraction and end up hurting a lot of people. Remind kids that anyone you have to hide or lie to your family about probably isn't the right person for you.
The good stuff
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Messages: Dan gets several tickets and has his license revoked for poor driving. He flirts with his brother's girlfriend. Dan and Marie lie about their attraction. The family makes up a song making fun of how a woman looked in grade school. Cara uses an anti-gay slur in passing. Eventually, Dan learns to be honest and trustworthy.
What to watch for
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Violence: Some comic pratfalls, including Dan falling out a second-story window and getting hit in the face with a football. Mitch punches Dan. Dan backs into a police car.
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Sex: Cara makes out with her boyfriend. Marie undresses and gets in the shower with a (clothed) Dan (only her bare shoulders are visible). Clay makes veiled references to masturbation. Dan and Marie kiss.
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Language: One use each of "damn" and "f--k." Cara says something is "so queer."
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Consumerism: Dan mentions the TV show Bonanza.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some wine drinking by adults, but no one gets drunk.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Dan in Real Life by kiam
lovely movie...something for everyone that does not pander to the lowest common denominator. Well written, well acted and heartfelt. You walk out feeling good!
5
Wondeful. by Daydream
After debuting with the amazing underrated film Pieces of April, director Peter Hedges bestows us with Dan in Real Life. This movie has a wonderfully written script presenting the conflicts between family and romance. Steve Carell is a struggling father and newspaper advice columnist who realizes that he doesn?t read his own column. Juliette Binoche is radiant and draws you in with the shy and cute, love at first sight between her and Carell. This is a situational humor for everyone, young and old. You will feel amazing after seeing this movie. I will see it again. (After the movie there was a couple who stood up, smiled at each other, hugged and kissed and walked out holding hands) Must see!
4
Real cute movie, adults would find more amusing than young teens by moviefanwith3kids
I think this was a very cute movie. There were a few laugh out loud scenes but many of those were about the 13 year old falling"in love " with her boyfriend and her dad bign the worst Dad ever for not letting her see him. Many adults have probably experienced it and now can laugh.
It was pretty predictable which is usually the case in these types of movies. If you like Steve Carell you will like this movie. YOu can wait until it goes on DVD although you might miss out on some of the laugh out loud scenes because the audience participation(laughter) does help.
3
Not So Real... by rsquebec
Steve Carell brings his unique sense of humor to an otherwise typical romantic comedy situation. The irony of love and rules for adults and children was an interesting story element that Steve's character comes to realize, in many ways, adults are still acting very much like children. It's great to see Juliette Binoche back on screen, though her portrayal of Marie seemed to lack any effort. Dane Cook's peformance was equally lacking and provided no contribution to the comedic attempts of the film. Carell definitely carries this entire film and makes it an enjoyable experience for couples on a first date.
4
Worth seeing by katethegreat
Enjoyed it tremendously. Not rolling in the floor laughing, but smart and clever. I appreciate the writing and the subtle hints and teases, not in-the-face forced humor or slapstick. Very real and down to earth.
5
Dan in Real Life by kprewitt
I absolutely enjoyed this movie. It is the first movie in a long time that not only had a great message but it also did not have bad language or nudity. It is rare to find a clean wholesome movie that you walk out in the end and feel good all over about it. Steve Carell did a great job and he should be commended in being in such a wonderful, loving, and wholesome movie. We should have more of these types of movies as it is so important for our society to keep the importance of morals and values in our lives.
5
Carell Shows Humanity and Humor Gracefully by EMTCreswell
I loved this movie! Steve Carell showed class and dignity in this portrayal of a lovesick father clinging to his lost wife through via his three daughters. I went to this movie with my painfully shy girlfriend of 2 years, and after the conclusion of the film she danced with me in the auditorium simply happy to have each other. This movie moves even the most stubborn of hearts to a deep sigh and a gratuity for what matters most. Carell's solo performance at the end of Pete Townsend's "Let My Love Open The Door" shatters his slapschtik form and truly shows what a great actor he really is. Do not be fooled, however, this vehicle does not leave out any of the classic dry wit and aquard comedy that only Steve Carell can deliver. So go see this movie and watch as aquardness festers into hillarity and love before your very eyes.
I hope you enjoy this movie as much as I did.
EMTCreswell
Firefighter
5
Dan in Real Life by goodsellgl
I like to see Hollywood doing some Romantic comedies that you can actually take your kids to. I don't attend R rated movies, and we are very careful about PG-13 movies. Anytime a critic says it is a little sappy or sentimental, that is my tip off that is probably good family fare and something I would like. Something without explosions, blood, horror, or blatant sexuality is so refreshing. I give up two thumbs and two toes up.
4
funny and sweet by jcrpiv91
We went to see this movie with our 8 y/o girl and we all enjoyed it very much. Subject matter is mild enough for a child her age to handle and intelligent enough to keep us entertained.
5
Great Movie by adamroderick
I went to this with my girlfriend expecting a 'so-so' chick flick. It turned out to be one of the funniest movies I have seen all year. I definitely recommend it, especially if you have to go to a movie with your girlfriend.