Sometimes you start watching a film that you're not really sure about. And then it surprises you. This was my experience with 'Dan in Real Life'.

I thought this film was wonderful. It is so rare to find a film that mixes so much humour and warmth without being cloying or farcical. But everything about this film clicks both in terms of storytelling and cast. You know you're onto a winner when you have an actor of John Mahoney's quality in a very small role.

The fact is that this could happen in real life and the results would probably be much the same as they are on screen. I know some people take the approach of "I see real life everyday, I go to the cinema to escape it" but this film is very much a celebration of family life and love and those things are just as important as big budget blockbusters with CGI galore.

Some comedians just can't get out from under their first impression, and audiences refuse to take them seriously. But it's pretty universal that every funny man tries to make a few dramas. The best bet, I feel, is for comedians to make a "transition" movie so you can still laugh but also be impressed by some unexpected tears. In Steve Carell's case, rather than jump right into Seeking a Friend for the End of the World or Hope Springs, he did a couple of great transition movies: Little Miss Sunshine and Dan in Real Life. Quirky family comedies, but with scenes that will make the sentimental cry, they show off the promise of Carell's serious dramatic talents.

As a widower and father to three girls, you immediately start the movie on his side and hoping he can find a little happiness. Steve also has a boisterous family who expresses love in various ways, from smothering to teasing. He meets Juliette Binoche in a bookstore and feels a connection, but just as he's telling his parents about her, his brother walks in with Juliette and introduces her as his girlfriend! What a bummer. Since the brother is played by Dane Cook, it's a safe assumption that Steve is going to remain the likable one we can root for (no offense, buddy). Though the love triangle isn't very suspenseful, it's still compelling.

I would totally recommend this if you're looking for a movie that will please everyone in the family. It's sweet and funny, and Steve looks really handsome - if I were Juliette, there would be no contest! The big scene everyone remembers is quite hilarious. Steve sees his daughter through the window of a coffee shop, about to kiss a boy, and he bangs on the glass louder and louder until she sees him and stops. Every parent would love to do that. But there's a lot more to this movie than that one scene. Great and realistic family dynamics, fast-paced jokes, life lessons, and a huge supporting cast. Dianne Wiest and John Mahoney play the parents, Alison Pill and Britt Robertson as the daughters (they're so young!), Amy Ryan, Jessica Hecht, and Emily Blunt, Matthew Morrison, and Lucas Hedges in smaller roles. I would have loved a little more drama, but as it's a touching family film, I understand the protagonist couldn't break down in tears all the time. For a slightly heavier take on a similar subject, try Clive Owen's The Boys Are Back.

I'd never heard of this film and the IMDb score didn't fill me with much faith, but I love Steve Carrel so thought i'd give it a go and I'm very glad I did.

It has such a sweet, heartwarming, awkward story with a brilliant collection of characters and a talented cast to match.

Steve Carrel plays a character who is very easy to sympathise with, blending brilliant comedy with touching emotional moments. Juliette Binoche is a joy in her role, the chemistry between the two of them very watchable.

I loved the setting, the direction, the tone and style. All very pleasing.

Proof that the IMDb score doesn't tell the whole story. A hidden gem if there ever was one!