Dad Love Supposed to be Funny

Everyone wants to fix up good old dad. Except he's already got a secret love.

Such is "Dan in Real Life," the new large screen sit-comedy starring Steve Carrel, Dane Cook and Juliette Binoche. Critics who don't pan it seem surprised it's as good as it is, while those who hate it are linking it to all of its sources and talking up how the original (which they discuss in pejorative terms) is better.

Relating to others is what the father of three does best, they say.



The movie may be formula and the reception tepid — unlike the "if a movie screens in a forest, but nobody sees it" life so far of the "father-son drama," "Father Son Holy Ghost" — but the trailer copywriter does offer genius in defining dadhod: "You make plans for your kids; you make plans for yourself, but the only thing you can truly plan on is to be surprised."

** And there you have it. Each dad's life is a completely unique cliche."