My Movie Reviews

Release Date: 26 October 2007
Time: 1 hr 38 min
Distributor: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG
Starring: Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dianne Wiest
Grade: B

Synopsis: Just as LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE did in 2006, DAN IN REAL LIFE reveals that Steve Carell is an actor who can do more than just comedy. He's won both accolades and awards as bumbling boss Michael Scott on THE OFFICE, but there's a greater depth to this performance as a single father and man in love. Advice columnist Dan Burns (Carell) has his hands full with three daughters that he's not willing to let grow up. The girls still grieve for their mother who died four years ago, and Dan hasn't made any attempts to date. So he's pleasantly surprised when he meets Marie (Juliette Binoche) at a bookstore when he goes to his parents' Rhode Island home for the annual family reunion. But his joy is short-lived when he discovers that she is dating his brother (Dane Cook), forcing Dan to hide his feelings and chemistry with Marie. Carell adeptly balances his role's humor and heartache, while Binoche (CHOCOLAT) is radiant as ever. Comedian Cook (GOOD LUCK CHUCK) shows surprising talent as the third leg of their love triangle. Through his duties as director and co-screenwriter, Peter Hedges deserves much of the credit for creating a film that is sweet without being sappy. Even though he's working with a far bigger budget than he did for his directorial debut, PIECES OF APRIL, he still maintains the feelings of intimacy and honesty that made that film such a critical favorite. What could have been a standard romantic comedy of errors turns into a strong film that goes deeper than many of its peers in the genre. DAN IN REAL LIFE also succeeds thanks to its soundtrack from Norwegian indie pop musician Sondre Lerche. The singer's compositions, both originals and favorites from his career, perfectly suit the film's tone and moods.

My Review: This movie was a decent film about Dan's lack of a love life after his wife passes away. The film has its moments but I was hoping that it would be funnier than it was. Steve Carell kind of let me down with this one.

Recommend: This is a fun date night film.

Release Date: December 24, 1990
Time: 1 hr. 45 min.
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG
Starring: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest
Grade: D+

Synopsis:A modern day fairy tale which tells the story of Edward, the man created by an inventor, who died before finishing him and left Edward with scissors where he should have hands. One day when the local "Avon" representative calls at the historic mansion where Edward has been living alone, she takes him home to stay with her family. He has to adapt to the new life and environment that he isn't used to. Soon he shows a talent in cutting hair and hedges, and wins every body's heart. But life isn't always so sweet...

My Review: This movie is very interesting. It has been a long time since I have seen this movie. Watching it again made me realize how different Tim Burton's films really are. Johnny Depp looks completely different (he is about 15 years younger too), and the scissors on the hands look very real. The film however does not seem to flow. The beginning of the film seems very childish and sounds like the story is completely made up and unbelievable.

Recommend: Probably not. If you use to love this film when you were little, then it is better kept that way. You lose interest fast, and the story line does not keep your attention. Several of the actors are very amateur it would seem. Keep the happy memories of the scissors from when you were little, and don't ruin it by watching this movie again.