Blu-ray Review: Zoe Kazan, Paul Dano in Smart ‘Ruby Sparks’

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CHICAGO – Not enough critics or paying movie goers embraced Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris’ stellar “Ruby Sparks,” a smart, fascinating examination of the romantic life of a creature virtually designed to be alone — the writer. With one of the best scripts of the year courtesy of its luminous star, Zoe Kazan, this is a great rental, even if Sony has completely dropped the ball in terms of bonus material.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

A selfish writer stuck in a rut borne of the fear of the sophomore slump creates a dream girl that comes to life. What starts as a romantic drama becomes an insightful examination of control. Who’s more controlling than someone who is accustomed to craftiing characters who do whatever he writes them to do? Kazan’s script and performance are spectacular and supporting turns by Chris Messina and Steve Coogan are particularly memorable. I only wish that Sony had cobbled together more than mini-featurettes that offer no insight into the actual film. All that’s included are basically commercials for the movie, the kind of quick clips shown a distributor, not what you deliver to a fan willing to spend money on a Blu-ray. I hope this work will someday get the attention it deserves and a special edition will someday suffice. Maybe if I write it enough, it will happen.

Ruby Sparks was released on Blu-ray and DVD on October 30, 2012
Photo credit: Fox

Synopsis:
From the directors of Little Miss Sunshine comes a “charming and delightful” (Marshall Fine, The Huffington Post) romantic comedy starring Paul Dano and writer-actress Zoe Kazan. Struggling with writer’s block and a lackluster love life, once-famous novelist Calvin (Dano) creates a beautiful fictitious character named Ruby (Kazan) who inspires him. But not only does this bring his work to life- it also brings Ruby to life - literally! Face-to-face with an actual relationship with his once virtual girlfriend, Calvin must now decide whether to pen this love story or let it write itself. Also starring Annette Bening, Antonio Banderas and Elliott Gould, Ruby Sparks is “a delightful romantic comedy that tugs at the heartstrings and rings of an instant classic.” (Katie Walsh, The Playlist on IndieWire)

Click here to buy “Ruby Sparks”

Special Features:
o Behind The Story
o Real-Life Couples: Co-Stars & Directors
o Be Careful What You Wish For
o Getting To Know The Cast
o Los Angeles: The Other Character

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com