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GRADE: C+

Let me just say right off of the bat that I hate romantic comedies. “Rom-Coms” as they are called in the “business” usually have a forced and over the top sitcom feel to them that just don’t sit well with me. “Dan In Real Life” doesn’t avoid those familiar settings and plot devices but it has a level of originality to it that is worth recommending to fans of the sweet as pie genre.

Steve Carell plays a widowed father of three girls aged 9, 14, and 17. When the family decides to leave home for the weekend and spend it with extended family at a reunion, things begin to get a bit “sitcom-y”. While in town buying groceries Dan meets an attractive woman he suddenly falls for (Juliett Binoche). Later on it is revealed that she is none other than his brother Mitch’s (played by Dane Cook) girlfriend. The rest of the film explores Dan and Marie’s suppressed interest in each other with mildly sweet results.

I guess it is the ridiculous premise and all too convenient ending that made me not love this film. I know there is a place for happy endings and sugary films in cinema but I can’t find anything redeeming about the genre except that it is light and frothy and doesn’t require much thinking. “Dan In Real Life” doesn’t try to be a smart comedy but it is obvious it is trying to be a “chick flick” which is cute for what it is.

If you like movies that are the equivalent of cinematic junk food then “Dan In Real Life” is the kind of mindless sweet natured comedy that is worth checking out. If anything it is worth a viewing to see the cute chemistry between Oscar winner Juliet Binoche and Carrell. Also, you get to witness Dane Cook actually doing some credible acting that has to be seen to be believed. As far as a DVD rental goes, I would recommend this film to girls, moms, sisters and softies everywhere who like romantic comedies.