Lars and the Real Girl

Yes, I'm reviewing a movie that came out 2 years ago. GO RENT IT! (Or if you have Showtime, catch it there.)

I had always wanted to see this in theaters, and finally DVR'd it when I saw it on the schedule. This is an amazing little film. It's this fabulous study in mental illness combined with a feel-good story about an amazing support system. Ryan Gosling is amazing as a screwed-up, way-beyond-shy guy who buys a Real Doll -- not as a sex partner, but as a girlfriend. He talks to her and wheels her around in a wheelchair. He lives with his brother and his pregnant wife, who work to help him. In fact, the entire town goes out of their way to make Bianca feel like part of the community - she gets elected to the School Board at one point!

Everyone is so understanding in this small town in Wisconsin, it's kind of unreal. But if I can set my cynicism aside, so can you. It's just downright adorable how loving everyone is toward Lars, knowing that they can help him heal. The town really does come to love Bianca just as much as Lars does.

This is such a pleasant little feel-good film. Watch it, live it, love it.