Ruby Sparks

It seems actors like to write themselves a film role to get work. This would be the case for Zoe Kazan.

As a writer I love to see films about writers. They always have the most interesting problems because they are ones that I can relate to. I also love different romantic comedies. Which is why I loved this film so much. Calvin is a character much like me and so I found myself relating to him, not just as a writer but on a more personal level. We are often told as writers that we need to love the characters we write about. Regardless of whether they are good or evil we need to love them as it is this love which makes them fully formed characters which an audience can believe in. Zoe has taken that idea one step further with this film. She nicely presents some interesting moral issues as well for someone who has complete control over their creation, who happens to be a human. While there are a few bad thoughts that creep into Calvin's thinking, mostly put there by his brother, he is still a good enough character that he does not go too far. In some ways all people in relationships would like to have some control over their partner. This film proposes what would happen if that came true.
Paul Dano gives a wonderfully goofy performance as Calvin. Paul seems to be able to be uniquely different in every film he is in. He plays the nerdy type guy very well. Zoe Kazan is not only an excellent writer but a great actress too. She is utterly delightful as Ruby. Zoe manages to play the role at just the right level so you never feel sorry for that fact that she is being manipulated. There are a few lovely cameos from Annette Bening, Antonio Banderas and Steve Coogan.
A really delightful romantic comedy which might be a wish fulfilment for many men. But despite this slightly unsavoury theme it is very sweet.