Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Ruby Sparks (2012)

What is it about? 

A boy-wonder novelist struggling with writer's block manages to will a character in his latest novel to real life, and ends up beginning an unusual romance. 

Who is in it? 

Paul Dano - Calvin Weir-Fields

Zoe Kazan - Ruby Spars

Chris Messina - Harry

Favorite Scene: 

[spoiler alert]

After returning from the work party, Calvin and Ruby get into a huge fight which ultimately leads to Calvin breaking the news that he can control Ruby. The scene leads to Calvin understanding the situation, as well as the nuances and dynamics of relationships, love, and the role self-understanding and awareness, plays in it all. 

Favorite Quote: 

"I couldn't see you when you were here and now that you're gone, I see you everywhere."

Review:

Ruby Sparks is a really thought-provoking and deeply relating film for any individual. What started out as a slow, confusing, wondering film, quickly progressed into a really, really good story. 

What I take away from Ruby Sparks is the life lesson regarding what we look for in love, how we sometimes approach it, and the vast ridiculousness of our expectations from others in our relationships. The film ultimately unveils this through the character of Calvin who eventually finds out he can control Ruby through continuing the novel he is writing. He eventully finds that no matter what he types to get Ruby to be his "perfect" dream girl, he isn't overly satisfied. 

It's a great reminder of how often we spend searching for someone that meets the "needs" of our criteria and how much we focus on attempting to "understand" the other person, we miss out on the positive qualities and overall magic of love and connection. And I'm guessing that is what Zoe Kazan, writer of Ruby Sparks, was going for. 

Speaking of Kazan, she was quite marvelous in the film. 

Ruby Sparks is an interesting movie. Nothing will overly blow you away from the film, but the strong message is good enough to recommend watching this one. 

Grade: 3/5

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

Remembering Hulkamania

What a complicated mess this news leaves me in. Hulk Hogan. Dead. At 71. I was never a fan of Hogan (in the world of pro wrestling)…I was a Macho Man Randy Savage guy, and later on, a Bret Hart guy (and still am). But like every other wrestling fan from the ’80s through now, Hulk Hogan’s presence and legend are undeniable.  Terry Bolea transcended wrestling as Hulk Hogan and helped the art form take its first step into the mainstream of pop culture.  He later reinvented the business once again with the greatest heel turn ever at Bash at the Beach 1996. Many have changed the business once, but twice? Significantly?! Hogan’s run as Hulkamania and as Hollywood makes a case for the best to ever do it - I can't think of anyone on such a high level on both sides of the pro wrestling coin as a babyface and heel. Every pro wrestling Mount Rushmore (as dumb as these lists have become) includes Hulk Hogan, period. But Hogan is also so instrumental in my ever-evolving ability to separate...

TNA Slammiversary 2025 Review: "One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended"

One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended.  That has been the bottom line regarding my immediate my thoughts on TNA Slammiversary 2025 since it my son and I walked away from UBS Arena. I attended the - the - record-breaking show for the company this past weekend in Long Island, NY, and it brought back so many feelings that I had for this company in the past, as well as created new ones in the process.  I've been fortunate enough to attend many TNA shows throughout the company's existence, including all the turbulent years. From barns, small theaters, convention halls, and historic, but smaller, venues like the Manhattan Center, there was a very surreal aura about sitting in an area for a TNA show.  In the words of Real1 (who made an appearance on the Countdown to Slammiversary)... Well, well, well...whatta we got here!  For this long-time fan, the aura and environment were pretty cool. Being part of a record-breaking night was pretty cool. Sharing that momen...