Cinema Review - Ruby Sparks

Romantic comedies can often become tedious and repetitive as we witness the birth of love between a couple, enjoy their ups, gasp as their relationship tumbles and rejoice as all is forgiven in a reconciliation and a happy ending. We all know the conventional rom-com formula these days and it takes something diverse to make one stand up and take notice. I give you exhibit A - Ruby Sparks.

Calvin (Paul Dano) is a young man struggling with writer's block. Despite constant visits to his psychiatrist (Elliott Gould), he cannot quite find something to write about - that is until he continues to dream about a particular woman who takes his breath away. His imaginary girlfriend, Ruby Sparks (Zoe Kazan), is the woman who is about to change his life. As he begins to write about Ruby, Calvin feels he is on to a winner and then the impossible becomes possible, she becomes an actual person and is part of his real life. 

Ruby Sparks' premise is one that already provokes an immediate positive reaction in that it represents something different in a romantic comedy. Almost a hybrid of the Weird Science variety, the film presents to the viewer the idea of creating the perfect woman and brilliantly merges it with real life situation. 

In Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan (in real life also a couple), Ruby Sparks oozes with perfectly timed humour and a tenderness that will warm even the coldest of hearts. The pair are infinitely lovable and drive the film on along with Kazan's genius script. Throw in the likes of veterans Antonio Banderas, Annette Bening and the hugely underrated Chris Messina into the mix, and the film excels to much more than just a run-of-the-mill romantic comedy.

With plenty of heart, twists and turns, and acting talent that infuse laughter and wonderment through every minute, Ruby Sparks is a beautiful film worthy of being held in high regard among some of the best films of the year. 

Film Rating - 4 out of 5 F's