2008 Woodie Awards
'Dan in Real Life' continues Carell's success
Colin McGlinchey
Issue date: 10/29/07 Section: Entertainment
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Steve Carell continues his successful run as a leading man with his latest film "Dan in Real Life." Carell plays Dan, an advice columnist four years removed from the sudden loss of his wife, trying his best to raise his three daughters and deal with his eccentric family. The film does a great job of blending humor and dramatic elements thanks in part to the fine direction of Peter Hedges, who also co-wrote the script. Overall, "Dan in Real Life" is a funny and touching movie about love and family.
Those who have followed Steve Carell's career know that he is not afraid of a challenge. His résumé includes "Evan Almighty," which was a Jim Carrey-less sequel to the hit "Bruce Almighty" and the remakes of two very popular TV shows. The first of these is NBC's Golden Globe-winning "The Office," which originated in England. The other is the 60s goofy spy classic "Get Smart," which is due in theaters in 2008. Carell shows that he is not afraid to step into big shoes and also that he is more then capable of filling them.
With "Dan in Real Life," however, Carell expands on what we saw from him in last year's sleeper hit "Little Miss Sunshine" -- his tremendous acting ability. Carell possesses the acting chops that most comedians and even "serious" actors can only dream of having.
Dan is an average guy trying to make his way in the world while raising his three very independent daughters. Carell makes you feel for his character as he does not want to let his daughters grow up for fear of losing them and draws them even closer to himself after the loss of his wife. The family then proceeds to head to Dan's parent's house for a family reunion. Dan's family includes "Frasier" veteran John Mahoney as his dad and Dane Cook as his brother, Mitch. Dan tries his best to keep his emotions on the inside, but it is his family that helps to bring them out.
The real story begins when Dan meets a woman named Marie (Juliette Binoche) at a local bookstore. The two talk for hours and Dan begins to fall for her. Unfortunately for Dan, it will not be that easy as Marie is actually dating his brother Mitch. Fans of "The Office" will appreciate the awkward moments that this situation creates.
Those who have followed Steve Carell's career know that he is not afraid of a challenge. His résumé includes "Evan Almighty," which was a Jim Carrey-less sequel to the hit "Bruce Almighty" and the remakes of two very popular TV shows. The first of these is NBC's Golden Globe-winning "The Office," which originated in England. The other is the 60s goofy spy classic "Get Smart," which is due in theaters in 2008. Carell shows that he is not afraid to step into big shoes and also that he is more then capable of filling them.
With "Dan in Real Life," however, Carell expands on what we saw from him in last year's sleeper hit "Little Miss Sunshine" -- his tremendous acting ability. Carell possesses the acting chops that most comedians and even "serious" actors can only dream of having.
Dan is an average guy trying to make his way in the world while raising his three very independent daughters. Carell makes you feel for his character as he does not want to let his daughters grow up for fear of losing them and draws them even closer to himself after the loss of his wife. The family then proceeds to head to Dan's parent's house for a family reunion. Dan's family includes "Frasier" veteran John Mahoney as his dad and Dane Cook as his brother, Mitch. Dan tries his best to keep his emotions on the inside, but it is his family that helps to bring them out.
The real story begins when Dan meets a woman named Marie (Juliette Binoche) at a local bookstore. The two talk for hours and Dan begins to fall for her. Unfortunately for Dan, it will not be that easy as Marie is actually dating his brother Mitch. Fans of "The Office" will appreciate the awkward moments that this situation creates.
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