The trials and tribulations of parenting can be very stressful, and for a single parent like Dan (Steve Carell) they can also be very lonely, especially when his overprotective fathering has two of his three daughters no longer speaking to him. But what better way to fix things and reconnect with his girls then to set off to the annual family gathering at his parents lakeshore home where they will be bombarded by talent shows, board games, plenty of fresh air and exercise and have lots of cousins, aunts and uncles to lend a listening ear and offer some kind advice.

Of course even the best laid plans sometimes get derailed. When Dan falls for a charming and attractive woman, played by Juliette Binoche, he meets at the local book store only to discover that she is dating his little brother, his world gets completely turned upside down. Now, while Dan struggles to understand his daughter's feelings of resentment and anger towards him, he must also try to figure out his own feelings of love and hate and figure out what is right and wrong in his own current situation. As Dan soon discovers relationships are never easy and you can never predict what the future will hold. As he tells his readers in his weekly column, "Plan to be surprised".

The same goes for this movie. It is a touching and heart-warming love story. Steve Carell will make you laugh one minute and have you close to tears the next. He is wonderful to watch. And Juliette Binoche is an angel with one of the most contagious laughs I have ever heard. She is delightful and wonderful. To anyone who has children and has struggled to try and keep them safe while still being their friend, this is definitely a movie you will relate too.

"Dan in Real Life" is moving and fun and an eye opener when it comes to life, love and the learning process of parenting.