It is rare that a movie has the ability to simultaneously evoke tears of laughter as well as of sadness. After watching "Lars and the Real Girl," it is apparent that this is not only possible, but it can occur more than once in a movie. This offbeat romantic comedy is about a man named Lars (played by Ryan Gosling), who is perhaps the most timid recluse known to mankind. This is of course the same Ryan Gosling who starred as Noah in the ultimate chick flick, "The Notebook." It was strange, yet refreshing to see Gosling portray such a drastically different character and to watch him excel in the role. On the outside, Lars seems to be an upstanding guy-he regularly attends mass, he has a decent job and he is incredibly cute and sweet. However there are a few slight problems such as the physical pain he feels when touched and his constant attempt to avoid the company of others, even if it means blatantly ignoring someone. Unfortunately for Lars, his pregnant sister-in-law Karin (played by Emily Mortimer) refuses to take no for an answer. Lars' brother Gus (played by Paul Schneider) does not think there is anything wrong with Lars and refuses to acknowledge that it is not normal for his brother to live like a hermit in the garage adjacent to their house.

Lars could have a girlfriend if he wanted, yet he spectacularly disregards the fact that his co-worker Margo (played by Kelli Garner) has a serious crush on him. Lars lives a routine life­-he goes to work every day and comes home to an empty place; naturally, Lars is lonely. Taking matters into his own hands, Lars orders an anatomically correct, life-size doll over the Internet. Her name is Bianca and she is a missionary from Brazil. Bianca cannot walk, so Lars either carries her or pushes her around in a wheelchair. She doesn't speak much English, but somehow Lars can understand everything she says. Bianca's mother died during childbirth, and her father followed soon after. Bianca has an even more extensive background, although it is just too ridiculous to repeat.

Sadly Lars actually believes that Bianca is a real person. While it is hilarious to see a doll treated like a normal human being, it is heart-breaking that Lars resorts to creating a fictional girlfriend so that he will not be alone. According to the town physician and psychiatrist, Dr. Dagmar (played by Patricia Clarkson), Lars is living in a state of delusion, but she advises his family to go along with the pretense that Bianca is real. In true small-town fashion, Lars' friends welcome Bianca and treat her as one of their own. It is amazing to see the lengths to which the members of Lars' community will go to make sure that he is happy.

Under the direction of Craig Gillespie ("Mr. Woodcock") and with writing by Nancy Oliver ("Six Feet Under"), "Lars and the Real Girl" is a charming, albeit bizarre film that shows the struggles of a regular guy with real problems (well, sort of). Considering the plot and the doll business, the movie could have gone the vulgar route, spouting numerous jokes for mindless humor. However, with superb acting all around, Gillespie gives the audience a sincere story that also happens to be quite funny after getting over the initial shock that Bianca is not a real person.

As usual, Gosling steps up to the challenge-this time as a visibly awkward character that is revealed to have been deeply disturbed by his mother's death. At times it is almost uncomfortable to watch Lars interact with Bianca (again, she is a doll) simply because it shows how much he longed for companionship. Nevertheless, the film teaches acceptance and understanding, which is an inspiring message in today's world of countless overrated blockbusters.

"Lars and the Real Girl" is a unique film that has the potential to be remembered as one of the oddest and most enjoyable movies of the year. It is always pleasant to see Ryan Gosling on the big screen, whether he is opposite the amazing Rachel McAdams ("The Notebook") or the amazingly plastic Bianca.