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Movie Review: Ruby Sparks

Created by the directors of Little Miss Sunshine (without the adorable Abigail Breslin), Ruby Sparks is about a gifted, yet struggling writer Calvin, whose therapist inspires him to meet the girl of his dreams. What’s peculiar is that Calvin (Paul Dano) meets her because he created Ruby’s character while trying to overcome writer’s block.

Anticipating a multidimensional story about Calvin writing a book within the movie, I figured my Community t-shirt, promoting the most self-referential TV show I could think of, would be highly appropriate attire for the screening. Incidentally, a middle-aged man stopped me during the Free People opening event to ask about the characters arranged in Warhol-inspired fashion. I identified Troy and Abed, and then went to the Varsity.

Without giving too much away, it’s notable that Calvin writes Ruby a Post-it note in a far more charming manner than when Berger leaves one for Carrie in Sex And The City. That’s when I fell in love with Ruby Sparks.

After wondering if the film’s major conflict would arise when Calvin’s handy typewriter eventually broke, I was proven wrong with a wonderful ending reminiscent of (500) Days of Summer, complete with an upgraded tool to write his next works.

Lastly, the minimalist design in Calvin’s home could easily be recreated for the stage, but does Apple sponsor theatre productions too? If you’ve seen Ruby Sparks and want it to become a book and/or play, please discuss in the comments!

UPDATE: Ruby Sparks was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on October 30 and it’s available from Chapters/Indigo.

August 3, 2012 by Sarah Prince

Katy Perry: A Woman of Many Talents

Joined by the sensational Swedish music guest Robyn, Katy Perry hosted Saturday Night Live last night. It was a great episode that proved Katy’s capable of performing more than musical numbers in the comedy series and deserves lots of screen time.

I lost track of how many outfit and wig changes Katy went through, but I sure noticed how quickly she transformed to play Christina Aguilera (one of supposed “thousands” of celebrities in New Year’s Eve), followed by Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine and then Pippa Middleton. In her latter role, she stole the spotlight from Kate and sung a few lines in a British accent.

Katy’s digital short with Andy Samberg initially reminded me of an Old Navy commercial, until surprise guests Matt Damon and Val Kilmer took to the screen to sing along with them, that is. When Community’s Star-burns joined the short and reunited with his ol’ SNL cast, he offered hope that fans have reason to be optimistic about the show’s future, which is currently unknown.

An SNL review of any length couldn’t exclude Weekend Update. Seth Meyers was wonderful as per usual, but the appearances by Stefano and the ‘flirting expert’ were fabulous comedic material. Relationship experts typically wear a mix of conservative and girly outfits for TV appearances, yet the blonde character wore a slinky, sparkly black dress better suited for a holiday party than an interview with an anchorman.

Robyn’s playful solo choreography during her second number, the classic ‘Dancing On My Own’, reinforced why I adamantly tuned in to SNL – she’s brilliant, I love her and I can’t think of a comparable domestic musical talent. Rocking leggings as pants, in addition to beige platform sneakers didn’t defer attention from Robyn’s singing either – she truly exceeded expectations overall.

Canadian export Michael Buble and Jimmy Fallon are scheduled for next Saturday. Count me in! Live tweeting about #SNL is anticipated once again.

December 11, 2011 by Sarah Prince

TV 2.0: Web Series Picks

The holiday season is upon us – it’s time to send greeting cards, drink hot chocolate and if you’re a student like me, study for exams. When you refuse to go outside, it’s nice to have entertaining videos to watch. Unfortunately, however, this is when a lot of cable shows take a break and say, ‘thanks for watching, here’s some extra special behind the scenes footage. Stay tuned for new episodes in January.’

Mainstream shows’ temporary hiatus creates a marvelous opportunity to discover videos produced specifically for online viewing: scripted web series.

Here are links to a few web series I recommend:

Originals – McDonald’s Canada

Canadian writer Anthony Farrell, a writer from The Office and CBC’s Little Mosque on the Prarie penned the script for a new show featuring charming nerds, pretty girls and an all around well-caffeinated cast, thanks to McDonald’s, who sponsors the series. If you like The Office’s humour and Little Mosque’s quirky multicultural characters, you’re bound to enjoy this series produced by Toronto-based Fresh Baked Entertainment to support the launch of McCafe.

Still not convinced this series is worth watching? Perhaps the wit expressed in its tagline will prove it’s worth a few minutes of your time:

An original web series completely lacking any originality.

If not, then consider the irony that it’s a show about guys pitching a new TV show concept, in which McDonald’s pitches its new franchise concept to consumers. Community fans, particularly those who adore Abed’s character, would especially love it.

December 8, 2011 by Sarah