Directed by Peter Hedges 

Starring Steve Carrell, Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, John Mahoney, Emily Blunt

Heidi’s Illustrious Rating: 1.5

Word of Warning: Just read my review.

I have liked some of Peter Hedges previous movies. I enjoyed ”About a Boy” and I loved ”A Map of the World,” an independent film that didn’t get as much press as it should have. This movie, however, got too much press. It seemed we watched previews for this one for six months. I sort of wanted to see it in theaters, but never got around to it.

“Dan in Real Life” personifies a certain irritating issue I’ve noted in movies lately. It’s something that’s always been there, but recently I find it very annoying. Have you ever noticed how characters in mainstream movies are always filthy rich? It seems everyone always has the perfect job, the perfect car, the perfect house, the perfect life. I realize we watch movies to escape our own less-than-perfect lives, but come on! Just once I’d like to see a movie about a family get together where the house is a one story ranch and some people are having to sleep on blow up mattresses on the floor or in a tent in the backyard.

While watching this movie I kept thinking that I’d seen before and then it finally came to me - this is a blatant rip off of ”The Family Stone” (2005). “The Family Stone” was a much more creative telling of the same story.

Synopsis:

Family reunion at big fancy house by the lake. The family plays games, including touch football, silly word games and puts on a family talent show. Problems arise when one brother falls for the other brother’s girlfriend. Eventually everything works out and everyone goes home happy.

Ugh.

The only redeming quality of this movie is Steve Carrell, who is really funny, despite the really stupid storyline. I’d advise you to skip this one and rent “A Map of the World.”