Lars and the Real Girl

You would think that a movie with the premise of a young emotionally distraught man who seeks solace in the arms of a blow-up doll would be a recipe for disaster. It's actually not. Surprisingly this film had just enough comedy, just enough community kindness and just enough good acting to pull it off.

The story is simple; Lars has had hang-ups since his mother died during his childbirth and left him to live with his emotionally vapid father. This experience has left him a bit deprived, and consequently he has issues dealing with people in his simple life. This is not necessarily a bad thing however, because he lives in a small town in Wisconsin, and he is a nice enough guy, so the town folk understand him and make a genuine effort to befriend him.

He reaches a breaking point and buys a lifelike silicon doll which he believes is real due to a delusional illness. His caring sister-in-law and his brother take control of the matter in the only logical way; they make everyone in the town play along with Lars to show their support and help him get through his issues.

I have to say, I had heard that Ryan Gosling portrays Lars in a brilliant manner, and I agree that there are few actors that could have pulled off this role in such a genuine way. He does a great job, but it is still a strange role in a very simple film and likely one that will fall short of most awards' radars. Also worthy of mention was Emily Mortimer, as the altruistic sister-in-law who only wants to see Lars happy. It is almost painful to see her failed attempts to invite him to meals with the family throughout the first half hour.

The film is really all about Lars, and the power of help from community. This character is the type that really gets to you, makes you feel sorry for him, and you root for him in the end. I feel that was the intent by both Gosling and the director, Craig Gillespie.

Go see this movie if you're feeling down, or if you want a good laugh, or if you just feel like losing yourself in a simple entertaining story for a couple of hours. It's just good fun. There are too few movies this original and this good natured. 7/10.