Sometimes it's worth surrendering to cinematic enchantments, and Ruby Sparks makes a pretty good case for its own magic.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 8, 2013

Sure it's been done before -- man brings ideal woman to life -- but not quite like Ruby Sparks. And that sets this film up to be a smart and romantic low-key comedy that goes beyond expectations.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 8, 2013

If the result feels like a Pinocchio story that spends too much time with Geppetto, or a takedown of narcissism that never breaks free of what it's critiquing, Dano nonetheless makes Calvin compelling company.

| Jan 8, 2013

Kazan winds up indulging in the very wish-fulfillment she initially sets out to deconstruct.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jan 8, 2013

Ruby Sparks flirts with preciousness and has less fun with its premise than it could have, but that's because it's actually a gently touching metaphorical drama about the real essence of love.

| Original Score: B+ | Jan 8, 2013

Ruby Sparks might have been more fun if Cal were written to be expansive instead of a worrywart in the middle-aged Matthew Broderick mode.

| Jan 8, 2013

The picture offers worrying commentary on male stereotypes of femininity and on the gender's domineering tendencies.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 13, 2012

If it pulls a few punches, and has an ending that seems pie in the sky, it is at least ambitious enough to dare to be something different.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 12, 2012

Kazan's script is observant about how we try to control relationships - making this a smart, modern movie. And how often can you say that about a romcom?

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 11, 2012

A big waste of a lot of talent.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Oct 11, 2012

Maybe you could call this a fantromcom. Anyway, it's thoroughly enjoyable.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 11, 2012

I wanted to send everyone in Ruby Sparks to a treatment centre for the terminally winsome. A de-schmaltz clinic.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Oct 11, 2012

Kazan's living doll is a hilarious and definitive creation: after her, we need never again suffer through a quirky romance involving beanie hats.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 11, 2012

Ruby Sparks belongs to Zoe Kazan, who joins the likes of Sarah Polley and Brit Marling in the rarified ranks of actress/screenwriter double-threats.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 7, 2012

There's an awful lot to enjoy in this clever and charming film.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 20, 2012

It's a witty, appealing romantic comedy with a surprising edge, a cleverly written and deftly acted exploration of what happens when dreams appear to become reality, and the emotional stakes are raised.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Sep 20, 2012

So it falls short - which makes it an especially frustrating experience. There's so much to like and so many potentially interesting ideas to embrace that I really wanted it to work.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Sep 20, 2012

Sneaks up on you with deep questions, discomfiting insights and more emotional punch than you may expect.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 10, 2012

Kazan carries the film with a disarmingly sweet performance.

| Aug 3, 2012

It all pretty much exists on an even keel, and that's not really the provenance of love and magic.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Aug 3, 2012