There is no way anyone could have figured out how to write a good script for this movie, but the creators of "Lars and the Real Girl" did.
Ryan Gosling plays the title character, who barely manages to live a life by keeping interaction with people to a minimum. One day he acquires a full-sized, lifelike doll. This becomes Lars' girlfriend, with whom he can function normally. He can relate in social situations with his brother and sister-in-law and others.
Gosling deserved his Oscar nomination last year for "Half Nelson," playing a school teacher with personal problems. As Lars, Gosling deftly rides the crutch that defines his extreme behavior. It is the other actors, however, the ones playing the well people, who couldn't possibly find a way to make the tone of this film real. But they do.
The humor finds its footing quickly after the initial character lines are drawn. It makes for nervous, uncomfortable fun. We laugh at a ridiculous looking affliction. We laugh at the impossible expectations. Surely, people in this situation would not embrace this suffering soul as they do.
And surely, the film audience could not find enough in this story gimmick. Life and movies can surprise us. Snickering quiets down as the storytelling rides on life-affirming kindness and resilience. Halfway in, "Lars and the Real Girl" takes an especially funny turn. From there on, it becomes apparent that the ordinariness of living life is where all its truly special qualities reside.
You will find yourself peering at Bianca - the Real Girl - closely. Does her expression change? Do her eyes reveal the moods in and around her? Does her mouth hold some "Twilight Zone" revelation? One thing is certain in this bold, quirky cinematic success - Bianca will win an Oscar for Best Performance by a mannequin.