INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Lars and the Real Girl

Lars and the Real Girl
Three and a half stars (PG-13)
Ryan Gosling

Quirky comedy/drama. When 27-year-old small-town guy Lars (Ryan Gosling) orders a lifelike female sex toy and introduces her as his religious half-Brazilian, half-Danish, physically handicapped girlfriend, the local shrink (Patricia Clarkson) suggests that everyone humor Lars as he uses the doll to work out his issues. And so the community does, awkwardly at first, later with comical over-enthusiasm. Surprisingly sweet and touching, with a great supporting performance from Paul Schneider as Lars’ brother. 106 minutes. DVD INFO: Includes a deleted scene, alternate scenes and a couple of featurettes.