It somehow lucked-out at the Oscars (for best screenplay – Juno won – yes, it is better than Juno!), but I am awarding Lars and the Real Girl the title of ‘one of the best films to grace our cinema screens in a long time’. I stand by my claims and here’s why…

This fresh and funny film is first and foremost entertaining, and isn’t that the point of cinema? I love a good doco and you can’t beat a stellar foreign film but subtitles and auteur theories aside, sometimes you just want to laugh.

Lars is played by the always-brilliant, Ryan Gosling. As a quiet and socially-stunted 27-year old, Lars struggles with contact with his peers and family, retreating to his converted garage dwelling.

Lars purchases a sex doll and proceeds to introduce her as his girlfriend to his family and the small-town community in which he lives. Bianca, as she is known, has a very real life of her own and slowly but surely, the town embraces her.

Clearly a life-size manifestation of Lars emotional issues, everyone accepts Bianca and she becomes an esteemed member of their tight-knit community, even getting elected to the school board!

This film is a funny and curious look at the human condition and how relationships can be a real struggle for some. The audience feels as they are sharing this heart-felt journey every step of the way with Lars, Bianca and their local town.

A four out of five in my book, Lars and the Real Girl is a must-see. Those hankering for some kinky scenes, don’t bother, this film has little to do with sex dolls.