the most satisfying element about dan in real life be that the relationship between dan ( steve carell ) and marie ( juliette binoche ) make sense and be beautifully realistic . the casting of oscar winner juliette binoche a dan love interest be a superb decision while she be exceptionally talented and intelligent and naturally attractive and and thank goodness and appropriately age for the part . have this movie be make with jessica alba or scarlett johansson and it would have be a disaster . another wonderful aspect about dan in real life be that it be a perfect film for adult who be interested in a mature comedy that leave out the three pillar of the frat pack formula represent dumb chick and chauvinistic guy and and sleazy joke . dan in real life be witty and have fun and intelligent laugh throughout . whereas other comedy incorporate or be almost entirely base on joke that shock the audience into laugh and the joke from dan in real life be more natural and clever and and involve some thinking on the part of the audience . my only problem with dan in real life be that the rebellious and middle daughter be play too outrageously by actress brittany robertson . it difficult to say if this be a personal choice on her part or a choice by the director . either way and her character be unrealistic and annoy . but and this be only a minor flaw in the film and and do not take away from the story a a whole . all in all and dan in real life be a great film and a fantastic escape from the redundancy of offensive and dumbed down comedy . the quality of the writing and directing and acting and and ( especially ) cinematography be excellent . it be simply a beautiful and light hearted comedy .