Not so real

While 'Dan in Real Life' doesn't even vaguely reflect 'real life' — no, not even with that cronky red station-wagon and noisy tumble-dryer — it'll leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside and may even inspire you to whip out that scrabble board.

Those expecting some more quirky genius from writer/director Peter Hedges ('About A Boy', 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape?') are likely to be disappointed by this rather formulaic rom-com. However, the appeal of the film lies not in the plot, but rather in its execution.

Dan Burns (Steve Carell) is a family-advice columnist who doesn't always follow his own advice. A widower, he's having some difficulties raising his three daughters — the eldest Jane (Alison Pill) is getting ready to fly the nest; the passionate Cara (Brittany Robertson) would give Juliette a run for her money; and sweet little Lilly (Marlene Lawston) is strangely perceptive and adept at pointing out her daddy’s flaws.

Before things fall apart, Dan drags the girls to a family reunion at his parents' (Dianne West and John Mahoney) rambling home, where the entire Burns clan has congregated for a weekend of food, games and general joviality.

Taking a break from the family, Dan heads down to the local book store where he stumbles across Marie (the irresistible Juliette Binoche). The two chat over coffee and for the first time in years, Dan thinks that he might be interested in another woman. There is just one small problem — this woman happens to be dating his younger brother Mitch (Dane Cook) and is spending the weekend with the family.

As Dan struggles to hide his feelings for Marie and come to terms with his jealousy he begins behaving like an adolescent much to the concern of his family and the chagrin of his daughters.

While it is not 'Little Miss Sunshine', Carell — with his great comedic timing and versatility — proves once more that he is worth watching after the dismal 'Evan Almighty'. Although it is an unusual role for her, Binoche is delightful as Marie and the unlikely chemistry between the two is palpable.

Unlike the family in 'The Family Stone', this is one which actually works and the dynamics and interactions are familiar.

Hardened cynics and austere critics can probably give this one a miss, but for everyone else it is a pleasant enough escape from real life.