Ruby Sparks Directed by: Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris Starring: Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Antonio Banderas Rating: Not Yet Rated Release Date: July 25, 2012
TRAILER SCORE: 8/10
Thoughts by TSR: It’s been nearly six years since Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris burst onto the scene with Little Miss Sunshine. That’s a film I didn’t love the first time, but has since grown on me. While I wouldn’t say I’ve been actively waiting for their next film, this cast and story (written by star Zoe Kazan) has me instantly interested.
The Stranger Than Fiction vibe is great, but the phenomenal cast they’ve assembled is just as big of a selling point. None of the supporting players have a whole lot to do in this trailer – Chris Messina gets a moment or two – but a cast that includes Annette Bening, Antonio Banderas, and Alia Shawkat (“Arrested Development” fans unite!) gives faith that this could be more than just another overly quirky film. Don’t get me wrong, I often find myself drawn to quirkier films, but it can’t just be odd for the sake of it. It helps that Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan look utterly charming together (unsurprising since they are a real life couple). I always love Kazan, and while Dano is a bit more hit or miss, he looks good here. In a film where a writer literally writes his dream girl into existence, their genuine chemistry could help keep things semi-grounded.
At one point Kazan’s character says, “Just don’t tell me how it ends.” Nonsense, I say! I can’t wait to find out how it ends, because that will mean I’ve gotten to meet Ruby Sparks.