Lars and the Real Girl; The Reviews:

Lars and the Real Girl is a film whose core stays with you after you leave the theatre. What you see and what you think seem to be effected, as if you are trying to look at the world through Lars’ eyes. This connection created to the film makes reading other’s reviews even more interesting; seeing what they think and what followed them out of the theatre. Alissa Simon’s, John DeFore’s, and Manohla Dargis’s reviews all seem to move in steps; each holding the piece that the other review is missing.

At the beginning of Simon’s review in Variety Magazine, her adjective filled summary of the film is dead on. She brings in a one-sentence note about how the writer of the film, Nancy Oliver, also was a writer for the show “Six Feet Under”. Yes the first two paragraphs of Simon’s review are interesting to read because she writes about something new; history and her own interpretation of the film. However, after the second paragraph, Simon’s seemingly good review turns into a detailed summary of the film itself. For those who have already seen Lars and the Real Girl it is understandable to get a bit bored as it is like reading the outline for the screenplay. And for those who have yet to see it, no worries here, you shall have no surprises when going to see the film if you keep on reading Simon’s review.

DeFore’s review (The Hollywood Reporter), however, seems to be the second draft of Simon’s review. Sweet and short with just the right amount of summary, it is in the descriptive manner that DeFore gives the film a backbone, describing the character development of Lars (Ryan Gossling) and Gus (Paul Schneider), and a scene where Bianca (the plastic sex-doll) sits in a room reading to children. His review gets you almost as excited as when the preview pops up on your television screen.

Serving as the longest out of the three, Dargis’ review (The New York Times) contains all the elements a review of its length should have; background, importance, and a brief summary. Dargis writes about the town in which Lars lives, he compares the film to Alexander Payne’s films, but is quick to point out their small but important differences. Though fun to read, Dargis’ review almost begins to step into the realm of a critic rather than a review—perhaps if it were a bit longer.

For the on-the-go person it is safe to say that the review for you is DeFore’s. You will get all the important details and become, right away, anxious to see the film. And for those of you who sit down in the mornings, drink your coffee, and read the paper, the review for you is Dargis.

Links:
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117934677.html?categoryid=31&cs=1
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/awards_festivals/fest_reviews/article_display.jsp?&rid=9804
http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/10/12/movies/12lars.html