Sometimes it's worth surrendering to cinematic enchantments, and Ruby Sparks makes a pretty good case for its own magic.
- Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News, January 08, 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.
- Linda Barnard, Toronto Star, January 08, 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.
- Justin Chang, Variety, January 08, 2013
Kazan winds up indulging in the very wish-fulfillment she initially sets out to deconstruct.
- Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, January 08, 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.
- Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly, January 08, 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.
- David Edelstein, New York Magazine, January 08, 2013
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?
- Cath Clarke, Time Out, October 11, 2012
Maybe you could call this a fantromcom. Anyway, it's thoroughly enjoyable.
- Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK], October 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.
- Tim Robey, Daily Telegraph, October 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.
- David Hughes, Empire Magazine, October 07, 2012
Is total control over a person any way to run a meaningful relationship? It's a great premise, beautifully played out.
- Jim Schembri, 3AW, September 21, 2012
Ruby Sparks is a profoundly sad tale of self-loathing masquerading as a cutesy romantic comedy.
- Simon Miraudo, Quickflix, September 21, 2012
I really thought this was a very sweet film.
- Margaret Pomeranz, At the Movies (Australia), September 20, 2012
There's an awful lot to enjoy in this clever and charming film.
- David Stratton, At the Movies (Australia), September 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.
- Philippa Hawker, The Age (Australia), September 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.
- Sandra Hall, Sydney Morning Herald, September 20, 2012
The film owes much of its success to the intricate and intimate chemistry of leads Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan.
- Leigh Paatsch, Herald Sun (Australia), September 20, 2012
Like Calvin, you'll find it hard to resist Ms Sparks.
- James Mottram, Total Film, September 28, 2012
A big waste of a lot of talent.
- Matt Bochenski, Little White Lies, October 11, 2012
I wanted to send everyone in Ruby Sparks to a treatment centre for the terminally winsome. A de-schmaltz clinic.
- Nigel Andrews, Financial Times, October 11, 2012
