For
starters, there's a little bit more going on in this film than the film
itself can handle. For example, Dan has three daughters, who each have
one personality trait: the oldest wants to drive, the middle one wants
to be with her boyfriend, and the youngest wants to dispense wisdom
beyond her years. Which is still more than the ten other family members
get, but being naked plot devices tends to disrupt the quirky, "life as
it's lived" feel this film is going for.
Then there's
the romance itself, which is a prime example of a film wanting to be
edgy and real while still hitting all the cliched romantic notes.
There's a real-life, no good or bad guys here situation in having Dan
(and nice guy) in love with the girlfriend of his brother (played by
Dane Cook, and also a nice guy). But not only does Dan meet the
girlfriend away from the family (so he falls for her without knowing
that he's his brother's girlfriend - she's fair game), but his brother
is so consistently portrayed as a ditzy ladies man that there's no real
threat of lasting damage even if Dan does end up winning her
away.
The good news is that Carell and Binoche have real
chemistry here, and are both so likeable that together they make this
often wobbly film still worth a look.
It's not great as either a romance or a comedy, but these two have enough charm to get it over the line.
EXTRAS
Just
like the movie, nothing terribly bad on offer - but at the same time -
nothing that really stands out. There is a behind the scenes doco
("Just Like Family: The Making of Dan In Real Life") which really
doesn't give to much insight.
There are a few which offer some
interest - most notably "Handmade Music: Creating the Score", and of
course theres the slew of deleted scenes - the bloopers being the best
on offer.
Worth watching at least once.
Conclusion:
Movie 65% Extras: 60%
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