There are some movies that you know you have no interest in seeing from the first moment you hear of them. Whether you’re repelled by the story, the director, or someone in the cast, certain films can instantly turn you off. That was my initial reaction to “Ruby Sparks”. Since I’m an official Paul Dano hater, “Ruby Sparks” was immediately thrown into my ‘do not watch’ bin. But you know there are also movies that completely catch you off guard. Despite your lack of interest or minuscule expectations, some movies come out of the blue and totally surprise you. That was my reaction after finally seeing “Ruby Sparks”.
I really hadn’t given this film much consideration at all. But after reading a few recent positive reviews and desperately needing a movie for my Netflix queue, I decided to give “Ruby Sparks” a look. I’m glad I did. This is a smart and fresh romantic comedy that looks at control issues, insecurities, and the failures of people to look inward when it comes to solving a relationship problem. The film takes its unique idea and makes it work thanks to a superb script, nice direction, and yes, even a good performance from Paul Dano.
Zoe Kazan wrote and stars in this film about a struggling writer named Calvin (played by Kazan’s real life boyfriend Dano). Calvin captured lightning in a bottle at age 19 with a best selling novel that took the country by storm. But since that time he’s been unable to latch onto a good idea for a follow up. Calvin also has a poor track record when it comes to relationships. He spends the majority of his time alone with his dog Scotty dwelling on a long past breakup with a girl named Lila. Calvin’s jerky but caring brother Harry (Chris Messina) tries to help him with his depression and his therapist Dr. Rosenthal (Elliott Gould) gives him various writing assignments to try and provide him with the emotional and career push he needs.
Then something miraculous happens. Calvin has a dream where he has a lovely encounter with a girl in a park. He wakes up and immediately feels inspired to write about her. Day and night he enthusiastically writes about Ruby Sparks and falls for her more with each word he types. Then one morning Calvin is astonished to find Ruby (Kazan) in his house – a living, breathing embodiment of all he’s written. This provides several obvious complications for Calvin but it also offers some interesting possibilities for him. Could this be the one chance for him to have the girl of his dreams (yes, I actually went there)?
I don’t want to go much further into the story at risk of giving too much away. Lets just say the movie makes Calvin face a number of relationship questions and moral quandaries. With a few punches on his typewriter he’s able to change or adjust Ruby in any way he sees fit. But is that love? Is that what relationships are all about? Are our fantasies good measuring sticks for companionship? You’ll find these types of questions cleverly nestled between some good subtle humor and a touch of romance. I really responded to it and that’s mainly due to Kazan’s slick, intelligent script. This was her screenwriting debut and she shows an amazing knack for telling a good story while bucking conventional methods. The directing team of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris keep Kazan’s story moving with energy and fluidity. At least most of the time. The film does hit a lull at the midway point but the directors quickly change directions which gets things back on track, right up to the satisfying ending.
It would be unfair for me to finish the review without talking about Paul Dano. He gives a really good performance here. Now I still stand by my assertion that he’s only good in certain and very specific roles. In fact, Kazan wrote this part with him in mind. But this is perfect for him and he nails it. Kazan is also very good in a small but tricky role. There is also good work from Messina and Gould as well as Annette Benning as Calvin’s free-spirited mother and Antonio Banderas as her peculiar boyfriend.
Let me sum this all up by saying “Ruby Sparks” was a pleasant surprise. I never expected to enjoy this movie nearly as much as I did. It may sputter in a spot or two and some of the characters may not feel as genuine as they should. But the acting is strong and the writing is fantastic. That was more than enough to bring this unique story alive for me. While Paul Dano still isn’t an instant box office draw for me, I believe that with the right material he can be good. And “Ruby Sparks” has me really excited to see what Kazan writes next. For me, she’s the one who shines the brightest from this film.
keithandthemovies.com 
Great review bro. Glad to hear you enjoyed this one. This was a big surprise for me as well. Initially I had written it off but when I did try it, I was completely engrossed.
Thanks man. I just pushed this thing back thinking it would be pretty bad. I was wrong. It’s quite good.
I’ve read good things about this, i’ll have to give it a viewing 🙂
Oh yes give it a watch. Talk about a big surprise. It really caught me off guard. Very good movie.
I also loved it and since I haven’t seen much of Paul Dano (only this, the movie he did with de Niro and Looper), but I quite like the guy. Maybe my opinion will change if I see more of his work, but I’ve been impressed.
For me Dano has one particular performance. We even see it in There Will Be Blood. But here it fits perfectly and it is altered just a tad. I think Zoe’s script is what makes it work best.
Nice review. I’ve heard plenty of strong words about this film. I’ll try to see it soon.
Cool! Give it a watch. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
Excellent review Keith, I loved this film and wished it had been nominated for something last year. I agree, the writing was phenomenal an I’m glad you pulled it out of the Dano bin and gave it a shot.
Thanks buddy. I was really surprised with this one. It’s a lot if fun but it’s also a clever story with a dark side to it. I liked all of that. So glad I checked it out.
This is now officially going on my ‘must watch’ list. I loved LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE… so will definitely watch this.
Thanks for the heads up Keith!
You bet. I have a feeling you’ll enjoy this one. Really good little movie.
Very nice review. I’m not a huge fan of Dano either, but this has sounded good to me, from what I’ve read. Perhaps it’s about time to see it.
Thanks. You absolutely should check this out. This is actually a good role for Dano. It was written with him in mind and it shows. I think you’ll like it.
Great review mate. I thoroughly enjoyed this and loved how dark it got, much more than I was anticipating. The ending didn’t work for me though, but that was my only major gripe with it.
Thanks buddy. Oh I liked the ending. I didn’t fully
Thanks buddy! I really like the ending. I didn’t fully understand it, but I did like it.
Interesting intro Keith, I actually have the opposite initial thoughts about it and I quite like Dano. Glad you ended up liking the film and his performance as well. I do think it could’ve ended 5-10 min sooner as that meeting in the park seems a bit forced to me.
Btw, I was fortunate enough to attend the screening w/ the cast and crew, including Dano and Kazan. I actually asked Dano about his research for his role and he’s such a down to earth fellow. I shook his hand before I left the screening and wish him much success. He definitely has no movie-star vibe at all, he and Kazan are so cute together.
I thought I remembered you posting about the screening and meeting with the cast. That’s really cool!
I really liked the ending even though you’re exactly right. It seemed a bit…well…convenient. I guess it was the lame-o romantic coming out in me! LOL!
Ahah, well I don’t mind romantic ending, I just think the film would’ve been more intriguing without that part. It overstays its welcome a bit, but still overall it’s impressive.
What did you think of his brother Harry played by Messina? Every time I would start to get annoyed at him for being the stereo typical foul-mouthed, sex-driven brother, the story would throw in a bit of compassion from the character. That little bit of genuine love that Harry has for his struggling brother was enough for me to overlook the other.
Oh I think Messina was great and quite hilarious, too. Yeah, I agree with you, he ends up being a sympathetic character despite his obvious vice. Benning and Banderas as the parents are fun to watch, too!
I dug this film alot. What really was genius to me is that its one of those movies you go in expecting one thing (a whimsical, date-night appropriate indie romantic-comedy) and you come out with something entirely different and more profound ( commentary on relationship dynamics and issues of control). The film was a smart, introspective look at a man who is going to great lengths to avoid everything he can’t control in his life – his family, his genius, and the perception of himself by other people.
Awww, don’t hate Dano. I haven’t seen a whole lot of him but what I have seen I have liked. He was really really great in “Looper” I thought which was very different from the character here.
Great comments on Ruby Sparks! You nailed many of the things that made it so good for me. Very good thoughts. I had a much different reaction to Dano in Looper. I thought he was one of the weakest parts of the film. I never believed that a successful mob boss would ever hire that guy! lol
I’m not a paul Dano hater but I definitely agree that Kazan steals the show here. Great review!
Thanks! I appreciate it. It was such a pleasant surprise!