Three Movies Four Ways

Margot at the Wedding (2007): so realistic you don’t even need to watch it. Jack Black, about to marry into an unhappy family, keeps the movie from sinking into an ocean of cruelty — until the end, that is, when he breaks down to everyone’s discomfort.

Dan in Real Life (2007): When Steve Carrell’s know-it-all single dad loses his way, it’s his three daughters who teach him what’s really important. D.

Dan in Real Life (2007): When Steve Carrell falls for his brother’s girlfriend, he struggles to hide his feelings. B+.

American Movie (1999), paraphrased: “We can film you sittin’ in front of a trailer, but we’re not gonna live sittin’ in front of a trailer.”