User Score
6.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 140 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 140
  2. Negative: 32 out of 140

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  1. Shannon
    Feb 7, 2009
    10
    I loved it! Great storyline, clean humor, very heartfelt... definitely one to add to the family collection.
  2. PatriceD
    May 9, 2008
    9
    This movie was actually a sweet, poignant look at family and love, and was very entertaining as well. If you are a cynic, it is not going to work for you. If you know that some families actually love each other, you will be touched. It is like a wonderful summer vacation with your best friends.
  3. KathyE.
    Jan 6, 2009
    10
    I loved this movie. It is warm and clever and funny, with so many little intricate touches contributing to the story line, the character development and the feel-good feeling of it. No, the family was not realistic, but the individuals in it were, as you got a glimpse into each of them in "just three days". I still feel great and hopeful even 24 hours after watching it.
  4. JayS.
    Nov 10, 2007
    9
    This was one movie that took me by surprise. Carell and Binoche both deliver wonderful performances and the supporting cast was great. Carell takes a turn as his role as Dan, which in my opinion is one of the better performances this year. I enjoyed every moment of this movie, but it felt like I was watching The Family Stone again. Even though it seemed sappy and sitcom like, I could not help but feel for the charactors and wanted them to all have their happy ever afters. This is on my top 10 list for one of the best movies of 2007. Go out and see it , you wont regret it. Expand
  5. ChadS.
    Nov 4, 2007
    9
    The name of the film is "Dan in Real Life", not "Dan in an Ingmar Bergman Homage". Thankfully, Dan's family isn't a bunch of eccentric kooks. They're more like people than types. The only time "Dan in Real Life" loses its credibility as a depiction of "real life" is when they the family puts on a talent show. Then it feels like a Woody Allen film on acid. Steve Carell (in a dramatic turn that Jim Carey would die for), like Allen, holds his own against a much more beautiful counterpart. Placing Binoche in a bowling alley is a brilliant way of demonstrating how this American film has a European influence, and how her character is willing to settle down after a life of jet-setting. Expand
  6. VinceM.
    Oct 27, 2007
    10
    This movie was great in every way. Steve Carell is a great actor and actually brought depth to his character, and I hate Dane Cook, but even he wasn't annoying or grating. A well told story that had me become a complete cliche'; laughing and crying at certain moments. This one would be fun to see more than once.
  7. GrantS.
    Oct 28, 2007
    9
    Great movie. Not really the type of movie I usually like but I really enjoyed this one. Reminded me a lot of my family. I can't respect people who write reviews who haven't finished the movie, since you have not experienced the entire movie. All in all I enjoyed this movie a lot and don't understand why people and critics don't like it.
  8. RyanD.
    Oct 28, 2007
    10
    I don't know what everyone else is smoking, but this movie was great. I think more people need to vote, not just the ones with nothing going on in their lives. Everyone in the theater was laughing all the way through this movie. I think they would have to disagree with your retarded ratings.
  9. MaryE.
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    Beautifully written, unbelievable cast and a wonderful story. This is the kind of movie you can't stop thinking about even days later. Your reaction to this film may depend on how you relate to your own family...this family actually likes each other. Steve Carell deserves a Golden Globe nomination for this film.
  10. JennaG.
    Jan 16, 2008
    10
    The best film i have seen in a long time. I'm not one to cry but it did bring a tear to my eye!
  11. SteveS.
    Nov 11, 2007
    10
    My wife and I loved everything about this movie. Well done, great chemistry, and great family vibe.
  12. Tim
    Nov 1, 2007
    10
    One of my favorite films in several years. It is much deeper than I had expected. Funny in spots, heartbreaking in others, and ultimately life-affirming. Steve goes above and beyond.
  13. DanC.
    Nov 17, 2007
    10
    warm-hearted, thoughtful film about love and family - perfect for friday night after a tough week on the job!
  14. RichardS.
    Oct 24, 2007
    9
    Carell and Cook show a whole new side to their acting talents. A must see for a good laugh.
  15. Kris
    Oct 26, 2007
    9
    Dan in Real Life is funny and heartwarming with moments of touching reality. It's a perfect balance of silly moments and truth. It's great to see Steve Carell show a whole other side of his talent - he's got it all.
  16. KamariaP.
    Oct 28, 2007
    10
    What a great film. I'm a huge Steve Carell fan- missed Evan Almighty- but i love his characters. he has a good range of comedy and sadness in this film. his expressions are also great- in the bar scene and talent show for example. Also Juliette Binoche- good to see her in a different kind of role. the pancake scene - she's great. I just enjoyed watching this family- they're all entertaining and sweet- but also annoying for Carell's character- which is funny. Collapse
  17. ChrisR.
    Oct 28, 2007
    10
    I don't know what all these people were talking about, this movie was definitely enjoyable.
  18. JimM.
    Oct 29, 2007
    10
    So funny you're all insane! It was a lot like The Family Stone, but that movie was horrible.
  19. JohnB.
    Jan 18, 2008
    9
    Masterful film making. How funny you find it depends on personal experience no doubt. I found it very funny indeed.
  20. AnneM.
    Jun 26, 2008
    10
    I loved this film! I'm not really sure why so many people found it disappointing. It really seems to be genuine and heartfelt, and achieves just the right balance of comedy, drama, and romance. And the chemistry between Steve Carrell and Juliette Binoche is sparkly and fun... they really make the film work. It is so refreshing to see a romantic comedy without gratuitous sex and unnecessary adult language that people of all ages can enjoy. Two thumbs up! Expand
  21. AllieD.
    Nov 11, 2007
    10
    One of my favorite movies! Definitely a refreshing glimpse of clean comedy and a heartwarming love story. Each actor brought their role to life and made the audience empathize with them in a real way.
  22. JimM
    Oct 29, 2007
    10
    Loved it! Definitely an adult-comedy.
  23. MaryL.
    Oct 29, 2007
    10
    This is the best romantic comedy I have seen in years. Although there are many laugh out loud moments, it is very subtle. The acting in superb and Steve Carell is amazing.
  24. EdwardK.
    Oct 31, 2007
    9
    I enjoyed it thoroughly -- more than I expected. The scene with Dan and Marie in the bowling alley went on too long, but the scene of Dan's brother trying to sing to Marie made up for it. Steve Carell did an excellent job.
  25. AmmonV.
    Mar 28, 2008
    9
    The only thing bad about this movie is Dane Cook.
  26. BridgetteL.
    Dec 13, 2007
    10
    This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Not only was it hilarious, but I loved the way it portrayed their particular family life. It was not your everyday typical comedy with crude humor.
  27. Nov 15, 2012
    10
    The title explains why this is so good. It's about real life, and its fantastically wonderful and genuine.
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 34
  2. Negative: 1 out of 34
  1. 88
    Carell shows a whole new side to his talents.
  2. Provides Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche with comic roles that fit them like designer threads.
  3. Reviewed by: Joe Leydon
    80
    Deftly interlaces heart and humor in a witty, warm and well-observed comedy about the unexpected and inconvenient blooming of romance at the weekend gathering of an extended family.