Lars and the Real Girl - 9 stars out of 10

Lars and the Real Girl - 9 stars out of 10

“Lars and the Real Girl” is the last thing that I expected from Ryan Gosling or a title like this.  What appears to be a frivolous, absurd plot turns out to be a heartwarming story about loss and coping with that loss.  I really wish that the synopsis didn’t use the term “sex doll.”  This beautiful story has nothing to do with sex and if others are like me, I hesitated for a long time before giving this movie a chance due to that simple term.  In concept, it appears to be a creepy film but it is actually a beautiful script with an inspirational message.  I’m so happy that Academy recognized this film with a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.  It is one of the more empathetic films I’ve ever seen as it makes you contemplate how you might react to a situation like this in your family.  In the meantime, the way that the community embraces Lars’ delusion is profound and uplifting.  I was not impressed with the first few minutes of this film and wondered why Ryan Gosling accepted this role; however, it did not take much time to see the amount of emotional expression that this role afforded to Gosling.  It has become one of my favorite roles for him.  Kelli Garner is so adorable, showing mature compassion for Lars while possessing that childlike quality that enchants us.  My favorite role is Patricia Clarkson as the psychologist that must delicately unravel the hidden issues of Lars under the guise of helping to treat “Bianca.”  Clarkson is incredibly underrated in the film industry.  This film has never reached its full potential due to its misrepresentation of itself.  "Lars and the Real Girl" is not a film about some guy with a blowup doll; rather, it is a touching story of a struggling man and the community that rallies around him.