Chuck mentioned a variety of movie selections on the current box office, but in case you’re not in the mood for Saw horrors, Gangster thrills or CGI-ed Bees, here are two more picks that just might be your winning ticket.
Dan in Real Life, which was second to Saw IV on its opening weekend, isn't your ordinary Steve Carell caper. He's definitely joined the Jim Carrey-ish genre for pulling off quirky humor, antics and shenanigans as seen in Evan Almighty, Little Miss Sunshine and The 40-Year-Old Virgin. (I mean, who can forget his excruciating waxing scene? “Aaaaargh Kelly Clarkson!”)
Although Real Life’s humor is a notch below Carell’s usual overdose, it’s got just enough of his inventive dance moves and Murphy’s Law happenings to make a laugh-out-loud yet lighthearted family romcom. Yes, it’s tame enough to watch with your parents or perhaps a first date without any awkward “here comes one of those scenes” moments.
Carell plays a widower and father of three who also writes a column that answers all questions family related. He runs into a conflict of interest when he falls for Marie (Juliette Binoche), who turns out to be the girlfriend of his brother (Dane Cook). It all happens while he’s on vacation with his family, so a lot of the laughs feel like you’re watching your goofy uncles gather around to tell stories and talk smack about each other.
Watch our exclusive interview with Steve Carell.
Watch our exclusive interview with Juliette Binoche.
If you’ve already seen that one and loved it, you might also like Bella, on the art house circuit. Inspired by a true story, the plot centers on Tammy, a pregnant waitress who just got fired. The chef, much to the manager’s dismay, leaves the busy Manhattan restaurant to comfort Tammy and show her around town. He turns out to be a former star soccer player with his own troubled past.
Check out the trailer.
Bella already has its own creds: It won the coveted “People’s Choice Award” at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival. (Past winners include American Beauty and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.) It was also overwhelmingly voted a “Must Go!” from our Fandango fan reviews. Although the movie might be difficult to find in your area, it’s worth the effort.
Never underestimate the power of a “real” story. To deem Dan and Bella simply “chick flicks” would be an insult. These two films should stick around throughout the holidays.
