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Lars and the Real Girl
User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 102 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 102
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 102
  3. Negative: 12 out of 102

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  1. CarolG
    Dec 30, 2008
    10
    I absolutely loved this heartwarming tale about a community coming to support one of its own. I recommended this film to all of my friends and they loved it too. I thought it should have gotten best picture in 2007.
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  2. PG
    Apr 10, 2008
    9
    it's really good... better than you'd think. great ideas, beautifully shot and some of the best acting you'll see in something with a little comedy in it. enjoy it.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. Mary
    Nov 2, 2007
    10
    Critics underrated this one. A real gem. A great exercise in suspension of disbelief.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. JoeZ
    Oct 27, 2007
    9
    Delightful... WOW an entertaining film for adults that isn't stupid, predicable, cliche-ridden or poorly written and directed (ie FEAST FOR LOVE and DAN IN REAL LIFE )... not a false note by any actor in the entire film -- Gosling is TERRIFIC! Who would have thought with a plotline like that? WONDERFUL!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. ChadS.
    Oct 27, 2007
    8
    If you think long and hard about the final act, "Lars and the Real Girl" is not the feel-good movie it purports to be. How many husbands, how many boyfriends had this same fantasy when their eyes wander towards an upgrade? "Bianca" is paralyzed. Thankfully, the film spares us the spectacle of animate/inanimate object sex. What if Lars(Ryan Gosling) wants a partner who can move? What if Lars is like the Edward Norton character in "Primal Fear"? The film seems largely unaware that a darker interpretation can be laid upon Lars' actions. Still, this deadpan comedy can be uproariously funny. It should've stayed in this register rather than tug on the heartstrings, although some strings do get tugged. "Lars and the Real Girl" is "River's Edge" meets "Opal Dream". Like the adaptation of "Pobby and Dingan"(the Ben Rice novel on which "Opal Dream" was based), the townsfolk participate in the delusional person's fantasy life. But in "Opal Dream", the cracked person is a young girl. Sure, we buy it. But a 37-year-old man? I don't know. We believe in Karin's devotion(Emily Mortimer) towards her brother-in-law, however.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. OlivierI.
    Mar 22, 2008
    0
    This review is therapy after what must be one of the worst film experiences I've ever had. It was so bad, I can't understand how anyone can fall for this kind of tripe. Honestly, the only way I could review this film is with an audio file, microphone and a can of hormel chili.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. ChrisC
    Apr 30, 2008
    8
    Very odd, yet utterly compelling film - apparently the part of Bianca was originally written for Paris Hilton, but her acting wasn't quite up to scratch.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. JacksonF.
    May 5, 2008
    1
    Absolutely horrid. There is no way on this green earth that a small town, or larger one for that matter would support someone's delusions. Secondly, he seemed to recover rather quickly after having a 'Real' social outing; the bowling episode. Those two points make this depressing movie unrealistic. I guarantee I could have made a better flick, having no background whatsoever in film. I give 1 point for the doll having nice cans.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. RogerS.
    Nov 2, 2007
    9
    A very upbeat movie. It makes me think about holding a stuffed animal or playing with dolls. When our imagination takes over the whole world and I got into this feel good movie. Makes you feel good. A few moments it was not real but then again that was the point. It's not real. You'll get it.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. BillyS.
    Nov 3, 2007
    10
    I'll keep this short and simple, Lars and the Real Girl is a cinematic MIRACLE!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. Hughie
    Oct 16, 2007
    9
    Sweet and smart and very well cast. Paul Schneider, Emily Mortimer and Patricia Clarkson all just wonderful, as is Ryan Gosling. VV gets it wrong again.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. BillTJ.
    Nov 8, 2007
    1
    One of the worst films I've ever sat through. It was ugly t olook at - the situations implausibility not so much the problem as was the abvsolutely mawkish and easy solutions the town and family found to resolve their feelings about Lars' experience. Another absolutely phony movie that didn't have the guts to go for something real and in all likelihood a lot darker ie real than what they sheepishly settled on.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  13. waynh.
    Oct 28, 2007
    10
    Warms my heart.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  14. NickA.
    Oct 30, 2007
    9
    'Lars' is a wonderful, tidy little gem that melts hearts and lights glee with its tender story and gentle, kindhearted protagonist. In his rookie year as a director, Craig Gillespie (also of this year’s earlier 'Mr. Woodcock', but don’t hold it against him) creates a sturdy melancholic foundation for the film’s story (by 'Six Feet Under'’s Nancy Oliver), which is at its most touching with Gosling’s Lars before us. Heading an underdog cast, Ryan Gosling plays Lars Lindstrom, a 27-year-old child, whose secluded life has been headlined by insecurity and apprehension. Living out of the garage of his brother’s house, Lars is a master of evasion, making a conscious effort to avoid others, especially women. When he meets a beautiful young brunette named Bianca on the internet, however, Lars seems to have overcome the detriments of his life-long battle against affection; but there’s a catch: Bianca is a life-size plastic doll. Paul Schneider is Gus Lindstrom, Lars’ older brother, whose wife Karen ('Match Point'’s Emily Mortimer) is constantly trying to pull Lars out of his “funk.” Yet, upon the arrival of Lars’ new doll girlfriend, she and Gus seek out different means to help him with a very different problem. They convince Lars to accompany them while they take Bianca for a “routine” check-up to family practitioner and psychologist, Dr. Dagmar (Patricia Clarkson), who, after studying Lars rather than Bianca, concludes that he is suffering from a delusional disorder, perhaps caused by accumulative emotional strain. 'Lars and the Real Girl' is a simple, yet catastrophically affecting film, both heartrending and heartwarming, about coming into one’s age and maturity, and growing emotionally through unordinary circumstances. In 'Real Girl', the whole small-town community in which Lars lives greets his predicament and its plastic catalyst with compassion and consideration, and the members of the community do so out of love for Lars. Nancy Oliver’s endearing script is one of a dreamlike classic, alluring with its careful humor and sincere body of characters. Moreover, Gosling’s performance is the definitive performance of his career and my personal favorite of the year, ripping with deep-setting grief and utter benevolence that evokes painful sympathy and, at times, even tears. The direction of the talented Gillespie gives Gosling more-than-notable screen time (which is a major plus) and also correlates happy-sad color tones with the mood of the film, and at the appropriate time. Also worth mentioning (and experiencing for one’s self) is Gillespie’s keen eye for shooting the early winter season, which, ironically, helps create much of the film’s warm, caring atmosphere. Though perhaps propelled by the pitch-perfect leads, this film is one not to pass up to any other Holiday-season fare. 'Lars' is a movie of great quality and of an even better tale – one that will make you happy, sad, hopeful, and probably a better person in general.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  15. MikeD.
    Apr 28, 2008
    2
    This movie was sooo boring! I had high expectations given the glowing reviews and the premise seemed interesting but it just wasn't. Basically, this desperate lonely loser gets a sex doll and has a relationship with it meanwhile everyone around him feels compelled to play along. The overall tone of this film is somewhere between depressing and gloomy. I couldn't send this one back to Netflix fast enough.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  16. CarstenS.
    Apr 8, 2008
    10
    This is an amazing movie. Ryan Gosling performance is extra-ordinary. The sweetness and openness of the movies character creates a warm heart-felt surrounding where the story blossoms. In the last third of the movie the pace is a little too slow but still one of the best 'romantic' movies I have seen.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  17. shareec
    May 29, 2008
    10
    I absolutely loved this film. I found myself falling in love with the beauty and support of the entire community in order to help Lars rise above his emotional baggage. In the real world, I think we all could learn something from them.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  18. frankyfeatherstoofa
    May 7, 2008
    0
    Cloying and precious life time channel garbage. so unrealistic and cowardly that it makes the relationship with the doll chaste. unrealistic people, dialog, and portrayal of mental illness. takes a premise that has potential and just takes the stupid way and safe feel good way out. its predictable and worst of all boring. truly monotonous when you watch scenes that are like something a child would write.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  19. LindaL.
    May 7, 2008
    9
    A film with unusual sweetness and quirky charm, with excellent acting all around. Yeah, there's an air of fable about it; you have to go with the flow. It occurred to me later that these not-quite-believable people might possibly populate the odd little town of St. Olaf, which Rose of "Golden Girls" was always telling quirky stories about.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  20. EssiS.
    Apr 10, 2009
    9
    Lars and the Real Girl has an amazing script and cast. Ryan Gosling is slowly but surely becoming one of my favorite actors.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  21. JayW.
    Nov 11, 2007
    5
    Beautifully acted film with a ridiculous premise. It would have been interesting to see at least ONE citizen of this impossibly convivial town openly challenge the delusion. Really, wishing a plastic playmate dead is NOT a symptom of recovery, and it does NOT bode well for his prospects with a flesh-and-blood woman who can't be so easily dismissed. If you can stomach a comedy about mental illness, this one's for you!… Expand
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  22. ElliottM
    Oct 11, 2007
    3
    Saw it at the Boston Film Festival -- didn't laugh once. The addition of a blow-up doll doesn't make this premise feel any less trite, ridiculous, or annoying.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  23. TuckerM.
    Nov 1, 2007
    10
    I adored this film, and was blown away by the degree to which it takes an utterly outlandish premise and spins it into gold. No, it's not realistic, and yes, it's a fairy tale. But to me, it represents real humanity at its best. And the understated power of the uniformly superb acting (particularly from Patricia Clarkson) is simply not to be missed. Bravo, Craig Gillespie, Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider and Nancy Oliver; you broke my heart, then made it whole again.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  24. MarianneB.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Lovely movie. Laughed. Cried. Satisfied. Ryan Gosling was spectacular.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  25. Keith
    Oct 19, 2007
    9
    I've been surprised by some of the negative reviews. I consider myself to be a skeptical movie lover, and even I find some of these reviews to just be plain snarky and off the mark. Yes, maybe the small town depicted here is idyllic. Maybe the conceit is somewhat hard to buy. If you can accept a world of wizards and hobbits, why not a town where people respond to Lars with kindness and acceptance? The movie, I think, exists as a sort of fable about how fragile we are and how kindness and love can heal. Frankly, I'm not sure I'd want to know someone who can see this movie and not respond to it positively. What's next? It's a Wonderful Life is bunk, manipulative, and schmaltzy because it's about an angel? Come on. Lighten up. I found the movie very satisfying with performances that registered as utterly authentic and sincere. The screenwriters and director do a wonderful job of maintaining a consistent tone that never tilts too far to mockery or quirkiness. Ultimately, it's Gosling's triumph. The movie succeeds largely because we, like the townspeople, love him. That Gosling also makes us laugh without seeming to try to do so is a wonder. Lovely, irresistible, touching.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  26. Liam
    Nov 9, 2007
    10
    That this film works so beautifully is a measure of its grasp on deeper truths. A lovely parable. The rare negative reviews are from those who are terrified that their own most tender and real feelings will be laughed at.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  27. trudyh.
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    Not to be missed.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  28. MarleneS.
    Dec 2, 2007
    10
    One of the most original movies I've seen in a long, long time. I laughed my head off and was deeply touched all at the same time. What I sweet story. I was never bored for a second.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  29. MikeM.
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    Wonderful, genuine, moving performances. The most unexpectedly moving film I've seen this year. Gosling is amazing. I wonder whether someone who can not enjoy this movie actually possesses a soul.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  30. MichaelL.
    Oct 27, 2007
    10
    I loved this film. Unlike some "over-inlflated" critics,drunk on their own self-importance, it's simple and sweet. How refreshing to see a movie where people are kind to each other, instead of awash in irony. Don't know about you, but I'm sick to death of irony. Gosling is breathtaking--sweet, damaged, and so real. The supporting cast is uniformly excellent--particularly Patricia Clarkson, as a psychologist/MD who doesn't need to hit us over the head with pop psychology. "Lars" respects its audience as much as his town respects Lars.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  31. LH.
    Oct 29, 2007
    9
    Unusual movie that may turn you off at first but should leave you delighted and choked up by conclusion. Cast is terrific. Who is "the real girl"?
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  32. MeeC.
    Mar 22, 2008
    0
    Worst movie I've ever seen! I'm quite disgusted by Ryan Gosling whom I thought was a pretty promising young actor.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  33. TiffanyK.
    Apr 18, 2008
    10
    this is an awesome movie. it is cute, funny, sad and moreover a clean cut flick that will keep you in interest from start to finish. you never know what to expect next. it's a must see.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  34. RobbyT.
    Apr 20, 2008
    4
    Lars is unique but ultimately too corny and boring to have the desired effect. Gosling once again vanishes into the character. Maybe worth a rental.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  35. JayH.
    Apr 6, 2008
    8
    Wonderfully offbeat. Excellent performances from everyone, especially Ryan Gosling and Patricia Clarkson. The writing is excellent, and the characters are very rich and well developed. Creatively directed. It does go over the top at times, but it's quite worth while.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  36. JayP.
    May 23, 2008
    10
    Thoughly enjoyed. It was funny yet poignant without being sickenly mawkish. A Canadian gem.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  37. TomF.
    May 3, 2008
    9
    Excellent and thoughtful movie. Ryan plays his part with excellence and the rest of the cast is great too. If you can get past the fake girl you might learn something about the introverts in your life.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  38. Anderson
    May 5, 2008
    9
    One of the most thoroughly engaging films I have seen in a long time. One of those films that stays with you. Even a learning experience in parts - and that is unusual!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  39. LizW
    May 9, 2008
    10
    This is one of the sweetest, funniest movies I've ever seen.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  40. CraigA.
    Aug 10, 2008
    9
    Just incredible. I am in awe of Ryan Gosling's acting abilities.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  41. Linker
    Nov 10, 2007
    9
    I loved this movie. I was laughing and crying through most of it, and I almost never do that. It was sweet, wacky, hilarious, and touching. If you let yourself get into it, and enjoy the kindness and the emotions portrayed in the film, it can be a wonderful experience.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  42. DianeM.
    Nov 5, 2007
    10
    I have seen this movie three times now. The cast is flawless, as is the writing. A movie about healing that includes God, family, community, and kindness. A breath of fresh air in a dismal movie year!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  43. GeorgeM
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    Lars and the Real Surprise - This is real story telling, a fable if you like, that stands a perverted premise on its head. As true a vision of life in a small, northern town as I have seen in years.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  44. CharlieJ.
    Oct 17, 2007
    8
    Very cute, adorable w/o being pandering, typical or trite. Gosling's comedic & tragic timing is nearly perfect. He can create a scene in one breath that just tickles you then makes you feel sadder than you've ever felt in your life...for just a second though so don't freak out. Good movie...very sweet...it's nice to have a happy film.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  45. PaulL.
    Dec 16, 2007
    9
    A completely disarming film that you think is going to be a one-note, one joke film that is instead a very sincere, sweet, touching movie.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  46. ScottS.
    Dec 23, 2007
    8
    Strange and beautiful, if a tad Hallmark. Nonetheless, Gosling is great and Bianca, played by a Real Doll, is certainly a better actress than Keira Knightley and Scarlett Johansson.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  47. MichelleC
    Oct 28, 2007
    10
    Only Ryan Gosling could keep the emotional element in this film from becoming comical. He is brilliant.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  48. JoshB
    Dec 9, 2007
    9
    The premise is indeed strange, but this is one of the best movies of the year.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  49. RoryP.
    Oct 29, 2008
    6
    Realism and character detail are undermined by the central conceit (that a whole town would be willing to play along with such an odd delusion.) There loving efforts to include Lars simply become unbelievable after a certain point, or at least, the progression of their efforts are not made believable enough for this viewer. The plot is also quite predictable. Saying that there are some nice performances (Emily Mortimer is a stand out) and the dialogue is nicely judged. The production values are also quite good. Not a bad film by any means, just weighed down by noticeable flaws.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  50. PatrickR.
    Apr 23, 2008
    0
    I'd have to agree with Oliver L. for the most part. The movie was was completely unrealistic. It just goes through the formula without taking risks. A risky move would have made Lars actually be the type of person that would resort to getting a real doll; even weirder in other words. And they just had to find a good looking actor to play Lars that just happened to be the love interest of a female. Lar's friends and family would have ignored the problem because he would really just be a lost hope. It would have been a good movie if Lars was about to kill himself and instead settled for a real doll even though he knew completely how pathetic that was. Just imagine the plot of the movie with the intent of trying to impress the masses and thats what it was. If you liked it you were fooled! Watch the movie as if you've never lived a day in your life and you'll love it.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  51. MichelleM
    Dec 18, 2007
    9
    I thought it was extremely thought-provoking, wonderfully strange, and ultimately redemptive.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  52. Kingmush
    Mar 23, 2011
    8
    http://mushreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/lars-and-real-girl.html Talk about a weird concept for a movie. If you don't know of this movie, basically it's about a guy who legitimately falls in love with a doll. I know, told you it's weird. But what seems to be a weird, gimmicky, and even stupid movie, actually turns out to be something quite nice. The movie delves deeper into the storyline than just guy falls in love with a doll and goes into territories of family issues, ignored love interests, mental illness, and support for one another. This movie sure does pack a punch and you will find yourself feeling the same emotions as the main character. Overall this movie is a weird concept but things like this have happened so it's not that far fetched, and for what it is this movie sure does it well.… Expand
  53. AlexS
    Aug 9, 2011
    9
    Gosling once again proves that he's one of the greatest actors of his generation.He's equally subtle and charming in this funny,touching and rewarding movie.It's undoubtedly a risky premise and yet it never fails to move and amuse it's audience.It's a portrait of a quiet and lonely man that finds happiness in a blow-up doll.The script is very strong and the characters are completely believable.
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Wesley Morris
    88
    When a movie about a guy who orders a sex doll off the Internet can turn vice into virtue, something miraculous has occurred. Lars and the Real Girl achieves that kind of miracle.
    Read full review
  2. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Steven Rea
    63
    By movie's end, it seems like the only one giving a truly genuine performance is Bianca. Mouth-agape, steadfastly mum.
    Read full review
  3. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Mick LaSalle
    75
    A gentle comedy, offbeat but never cute, never lewd and never going for shortcut laughs that might diminish character.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »