Recently, she was a Guest Artist at the University of Madison-WI in August Wilson’s Fences (Rose). A Cincinnati-based artist, this season she was seen in the world premiere The Living Dead (Nana) at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and Sweat (Cynthia) at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. If you are ready and willing to take a break from the big budget spectacles of Hollywood, then give this character study a chance you will be pleasantly surprised.Burgess (she/her) is delighted to be back at The Human Race after last appearing in Gloria: A Life in 2019 cut short by the pandemic. As a whole, it still manages to work on most levels and accomplishes what it seems to set out to do.

This is a funny touching film that does get a bit heavy at times and while not a long movie does feel a bit too long at times due to pacing. This is easily one of the more unique romantic comedies to come along in a while stepping away from the normal format and instead taking a left hand turn creating something new.

Some of the characters decisions could have been looked at as a bit creepy, but thanks to the way he handled it comes off as a bit more enduring. Everyone gives a great performance, but Paul Dano really steps up delivering a quirky uncomfortable innocence to the lead that makes it all work. As it moves forward and towards the inevitable darker tone it seems to slow down a bit making some moments drag a little. For the first half of the film it is pretty funny and creative delivering one of the more entertaining original films in sometime. While the story basis for this film comes off a bit unrealistic, the way it is handled makes you buy into the story. When the female character he is writing becomes real, his life spirals into various directions trying to determine where his writing will take them. Can a film with an idea that seems to be based on both fantasy and reality come together to deliver that refreshing film or be just another lost opportunity? Ruby Sparks follows a writer dealing with writer's block as well as a desperate attempt to find love. Backed by a strong cast including Paul Dano, Steve Coogan, Antonio Banderas, Annette Bening, and Elliott Gould, Ruby Sparks attempts to be that latest independent film to bring audiences something new and creative. When something does finally come along it is always hit and miss.

In a world full of remakes and sequels, it is becoming more and more rare to get something truly original.

Miracle Girls by Anne Dayton