'Dan In Real Life' (PG-13)(out of four)

Simply put, "Dan in Real Life" is a movie that lives up to its title: It's a romantic comedy drama that feels like real life, which effectively combines the emotions of happiness and heartbreak and how each relate to family relationships and complicated romantic issues -- and to top it off, is masterfully presented by arguably one of the best acting ensembles this year.

Proving that his semi-serious turn in "Little Miss Sunshine" wasn't a fluke, Steve Carell delivers a wonderfully understated performance as the title character, whose "Dan in Real Life" advice column appears in the local paper and is on the verge of scoring a syndication deal. But while he tries to lives better for others with his advice, behind the scenes, Dan can't manage to help himself.

An over-protective widower raising three spirited girls, Dan leads a lonely existence that changes suddenly during a gathering of his siblings, wives and children at their parents' Rhode Island summer home. Sent to town on an errand by his caring mom (Dianne Wiest), Dan finds his a strong romantic connection in a bookstore with Marie (a breathtaking Juliette Binoche). After a long conversation, Dan vows to get in touch with Marie again, not realizing that another meeting is just around the corner.

That's because shortly after Dan arrives back at the family compound, he's introduced to Marie again, but this time as his brother Mitch's (Dane Cook) girlfriend. Despite their mutual attraction to one another, Dan and Marie decide to keep their previous meeting secret. But the struggle with their feelings for one another intensifies as days go by, due to constant close contact with one another -- and the jealousy that arises when Dan a blind date with the former "pig-faced" girl who has grown-up to become a stunning looker (Emily Blunt).

Complicating issues for Dan, too, are his three daughters; the oldest, Jane (Alison Pill), wants to prove to dad that she's a responsible teen, while the mid-teen, Cara (Brittany Robertson) is carrying on a romance with a schoolboy that she swears is true love. The youngest, Lilly (Marlene Lawston), is just pining for her dad's attention.

There's no question that some plot elements of "Dan in Real Life" are contrived -- but what movie plot doesn't have contrivances -- and furthermore, who really cares? That's because for any unlikely situation "Dan in Real Life" presents, the characters still manage to keep you thoroughly engaged in the story throughout. Thanks to a funny yet poignant script co-written by director Peter Hedges ("Pieces of April"), "Dan" has an atmosphere of goodwill that's undeniable, even when the characters find themselves in the most complicated of situations.

While Carell is billed as the star of the film, he comfortably projects more of a team player approach, allowing the likes of the always engaging Binoche and an impressive actor newbie in Cook to shine. Despite the strong lead trio, the supporting players are given plenty to work with, too, including Tony Winner Norbert Leo Butz as Dan and Mitch's brother, Clay and "Frasier" dad John Mahoney and Oscar-winner Wiest as their parents.

Diehard fans of Carell's comedy antics won't be disappointed. He has a lot of chances to display some fine physical humor, including a hilarious dance scene in bar room dance floor.

Also key to the film is the original music of Norwegian singer Sondre Lerche, whose engaging acoustic tunes serve as a perfect soundtrack to Dan's life in the film. It provides some more feel-good moments to an already feel-great movie.