Ryan Rules

In case there was any doubt that Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling was the legitimate heir apparent to the Jimmy Stewart mantle, you can see for yourself: Gosling stars in "Lars and the Real Girl,'' opening at area theaters Oct. 26.
Gosling portrays a nebbishy lonely guy who comes out of his shell after buying a lifesize sex doll _ not for sex but for companionship.

The movie has a sterling supporting cast including Patrica Clarkson as the psychologist who understands the lonely's guy weird path to happiness.

Will Gosling get another nomination this year? It's already a crowded field with Emile Hirsch, Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Denzel Washingon, but he could prevail.