 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Dan in Real Life
- Review Date: March 9, 2008
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Love hurts in predictable rom com. OK for teens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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."
What's the story?
Four years after his beloved wife's death, newspaper columnist Dan (Steve Carell) is devoted to their three daughters, but the teen girls are quickly moving out of his control. Cara (Brittany Robertson) is in love for the first time and lies to her father about it, sneaking off to smooch her new fella. Parent-ified Jane (Alison Pill) is 17 and ready to drive, and Lilly (Marlene Lawston) is sick of being coddled. As Dan's father (John Mahoney) aptly remarks when Dan says his children hate him, "You must be doing something right." After arriving at his parents' home for a mythically happy family reunion, Dan meets and falls for Marie (Juliette Binoche). The problem? She's already spoken for -- by Dan's hyper, self-involved brother, Mitch (Dane Cook). Will Dan be able to keep his feelings to himself?
Is it any good?
DAN IN REAL LIFE is a romantic comedy convinced that misery and self-abdication are the true signs of love. It's a typical movie message, but maybe not a good one for teens who already make a habit of dramatic suffering. So it's a good thing the movie is well-done and warm-hearted. Yes, it's predictable and unrealistic, but it aims for a kind of "human comedy," as Marie announces on first meeting Dan. The film does have other types of funny as well, including guffaw-worthy moments mostly surrounding some great lines your kids may end up repeating back to you.
Director Peter Hedges uses his cast to great effect: Cook stays occupied with outlandish songs and aerobics routines, and Carell hams it up dancing and gets in a few fun one-liners, too. The young actors all pull their own weight, and Mahoney and the renowned Dianne Wiest provide the perfect backdrop to the film as Dan's content parents. It may not exactly be real life, but Dan in Real Life is ultimately a fun way to spend two hours with your family.
What families can talk about
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.
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AGE
cute
very cute and heartwarming. dan is the ideal dad in the movie, even if his daughters don't always realize it. very safe, and a good movie to watch for bonding time between parents and children.
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AGE
lesson in adult imperfection
I think this movie is very good for kids 10 and up. As for the sexual innuendos, there is nothing these kids have not seen already. In particular, the movie shows that parents have their own problems and that life does not always revolve around the kids. This is why adult movies can sometimes be good for kids to watch with a parent. Movies designed for younger kids usually revolve around kids thus giving them a distorted view of adults.
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AGE
I nearly teared up a few times but it was also funny
Unlike lots of movies this movie is actually about Real Life. It's about an average guy with average problems. It's a refreshing change from some other movies out there. For the most part it's a great family movie with decent messege although there are a few problems for younger kids. There are a few awkward situations. Sex is mentioned in different ways. Out of the few times that have to do with that most of them are things that little kids shouldn't hear but aren't bad for everyone else. There is only one part of the movie which really should not have been there. In other words, I would have felt awkward at that point if my female friend sitting next to me had been paying any attention to the movie at that moment.
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AGE
Thank you for the smile
This anfilm made me smile and laugh. A human story portrayed quite nicely by the whole cast. I felt like I was living life with them and I was at my family reunion. Thank you for that warm feeling. I will recommend this film to all I meet.
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AGE
Steve Carrell in a good role. Shouldnt miss this Romance Comedy
It was a little slow to start but over all pretty good. My wife and I enjoyed it. Pretty good Romance comedy for your teens to adults.
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AGE
"You...are a murder...of LOVE!!!!!!!!!!"
My daughter(a big Office fan)saw this movie at a rental place and we watched it together. It was funny and very, very sweet. I saw the end comming but it was a good comming. It leaves you with a warm feeling at the end.Plus the 1 f-bomb was hidden from us.
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AGE
Appropriate for all ages, better for 10 and over
This was a good movie. The overall message was good. The conflict resulting from the two brothers unwittingly falling for the same woman is a sophisticated subject for kids, but is tastefully handled. Their is a lot of humor and family fun and togetherness in the movie. Some teen rebellion between the main character who is an overprotective widow and his teenage daughters. The movie depicts positive family relationships that in the end are what help to reslove the conflict.
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AGE
I almost split my seams laughing so hard!
Finally a comedy that lived up to my expectations. I almost split my seams laughing so hard! My girlfriend and I went to a Sunday matinee and really enjoyed it. Yes, some parts are typical "Hollywood" scenes, but Steve Carrell is so funny and in times like ours, who doesn't need a good laugh?
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AGE
Good fun for the family!
I saw this with some friends and we were laughing a majority of the movie. It's just funny. Probably the best "feel-good" movie since Little Miss Sunshine.
I also don't understand why it was PG-13. I never heard anybody say "f--k".
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| Studio: | Focus Features |
| Director: | Peter Hedges |
| Cast: | Dane Cook, Juliette Binoche, Steve Carell |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 110 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 25, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | March 10, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some innuendo. |
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