Customer Reviews

Dan in Real Life

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Once again, Sondre Lerche wields his incredible talent in crafting this quirky (without being annoying), moving (without the melodrama), and just plain charming (without being trite) soundtrack.

Sondre fans will recognize "Airport Taxi Reception" and "Modern Nature" from previous albums, but it's the songs originally written for the film that stand out the most. "To Be Surprised" (my personal favorite) is folksy and inspiring, with simple, elegant lyrics and Lerche bringing his trademark falsetto to bear. "I'll Be OK" and "My Hands Are Shaking" are melancholy laments that don't weigh themselves down with affected angst. "Hell No" is a charming, jazzy number with ethereal Regina Spektor that features a witty call-and-response.

The Pete Townsend classic, "Let My Love Open the Door" and Elvis Costello's "Human Hands," fair pleasantly enough in Sondre's more-than-capable hands (the former of which involves an interesting strings accompaniment). Many critics have faulted A Fine Franzy's take on "Fever" as being the album's Achilles Heel, but Alison Sudol does a decent enough turn if not exactly an original one. Her rich voice is perfect for singing this classic Fitzgerald number and if she doesn't add anything particularly different, she certainly doesn't take anything away.

The unpolished edges give this soundtrack an emotional sincerity that perfectly fits in with the understated sentiments of the film. And while some may consider Lerche's lyrics as one of his few weaknesses, they have never lacked in honesty if not logical sense.

Peter Hedges has made a delightful film and Sondre's contribution is part of that. But in addition to making for a great film, it's also a great album to listen to on its own.

The movie "Dan in Real Life" is a wonderkind type of movie that makes you laugh, cry, and feel, well, complete. Dan, so marvelously played by Steve Carell, struggles with his life issues on a long weekend at his parent's Rhode Island retreat. The script is wise and witty, and never once does it go off-point, creating such a complete reality for this people that you feel like you could slip right into the house and just fit right in.

Watching the movie, I did notice the music, but it wasn't until I purchased the soundtrack that I realized how much the music made the movie what it was. The guitar playing Sondre Lerche accompanies this film with the right addition of levity and more serious songs. His voice is rough and ragged, with a touch of youth that bounces through the songs. Even his cover of well loved and oft-overdone song "Let My Love Open the Door", which features prominently in the film, is a swinging mix of energy and reflection, with some surprising instrumental work.

We may not all be able to get away for a long weekend with our family. But in this case, the music serves as a fun escape in and of itself.

Saw the movie at a sneak preview. Loved the film. Loved the music even more. Went on amazon.com and ordered it right away. Fell in love with Sondre's creamy-smooth voice, the acoustic guitar, the piano, bass, trumpet, light drum beats, the duets, interesting covers, EVERYTHING! I'm addicted to this album and I'm buying all of Sondre's stuff now. Peter Hedges (writer/director) made the right call on this one...music is mellow, hypnotic, and perfect with the film and in my "real life". And the hidden Ruthie "PIGFACE" Draper song was a fun surprise!! (sorry if i ruined it for anybody!)

I saw this movie and enjoyed the music throughout, so I went out and got the soundtrack. It's great to listen to by itself, and I'm glad I discovered a new artist I like.

The music really stood out in the movie, so I knew I had to get the soundtrack. It just puts a smile on your face while listening.

I loved the movie, and the music is just as wonderful. You will love this cd...mine has been running nonstop since I saw the film! Two thumbs up!

It was only after seeing the movie that I even became aware of the artist Sondre Lerche. For me the music was so much a part of the film (which I loved) that I had to do some on line research about the soundtrack. I agree with a previous reviewer that it was somewhat disappointing that the film version of "Let My Love Open The Door" was not a part of this but Lerche's version is okay. The lack of that song as it appeared in the film is the only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars. I listen to this CD almost daily and it always brings a smile to my face.

I enjoyed the music to this movie during the film, especially the song at the wedding. So, I bought the soundtrack. I had never heard of Sondre Lerche before and am now a huge fan. The songs are unique and fun. But, if you're not a Sondre Lerche fan you won't like this CD. If you are, you'll love it, and if you've never heard of him- give him try. Another thing I liked about this CD is that it had an additional song not listed on the CD cover- the "Ruthie Pig Face Draper" song that Dan's brothers sing before his blind date. Great CD!

I saw "Dan in Real Life" three times and every time I loved the movie more and couldn't wait to get the sound track. I gave it to my husband for Christmas and now the entire family (which includes kids ages 7, 14, and 17) is crazy over it. The instrumental selections are good; the vocal selections are even better.

A great mix of Sondre Lerche music from the movie, a good laid back mix.