Her

Welcome to another episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!

Today's review is Her.

Written & Directed by Spike Jonze.

Review #242

MPAA Rating: Rated R for language, sexual content and brief graphic nudity.

Run Time: 126 min

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Cast

Joaquin Phoenix...Theodore

Chris Pratt...Paul

Rooney Mara...Catherine

Scarlett Johansson...Samantha (voice)

Amy Adams...Amy

Matt Letscher...Charles

Spike Jonze...Alien Child (voice) (as Adam Spiegel)

Olivia Wilde...Blind Date

Portia Doubleday...Surrogate Date Isabella

When was the last time you spent an entire day without your cell phone or tablet or computer? Remember how lost you felt? How helpless? I'll admit that I felt that way when I left my phone at home once and recently when my computer was on the fritz for a few weeks. I thought I wouldn't survive the day and when I got it back I felt like my children had returned home. Of course these are all material items that can't love me back.

But what if they could.....

Plot

A lonely writer develops an unlikely relationship with his newly purchased operating system that's designed to meet his every need.

At one time in our lives we've experienced loneliness. Regardless of the genesis of the situation, we've all dealt with it and figured out how to move forward with our lives. Spike Jonze takes us on a journey of a man who had a hell of a time dealing with his loneliness but was fortunate enough to live in a world and a time where technology can provide a respite from the turmoil. The question that Jonze and Her eventually ask is.

Is that a good thing?

It's unclear how far into the future this movie takes place but the world is obsessed with their personal AI or artificial intelligence. Her shows society and how they live their lives in sync with their real "imaginary" friends. People are constantly talking to themselves but they're actually conversing with their AI via the ear piece that you can see in the pic above. The film also establishes how lazy the world has become. Phoenix's character in the film writes letters for people. At one point in the film he's asked how he's able to come up with such beautiful sentiments and he responds by saying that he's been writing for his "clients" for so long that he knows them. Plus the biographical information he's provided by them gives him the freedom to craft the perfect letter.

Think about that for a second.

People don't write letters anymore but Her takes it even further by creating a profession where people pay someone else to write their heart and soul to that special someone. It's really a commentary on how we live today. Don't think so? Ask yourself this, when was the last time you called someone instead of texting them.

Case closed.

Now Her doesn't just take pot shots at the apathetic nature of the people in the film. At the roots, the film is an unapologetic love story. It's just an unconventional one. The thought of a man falling in love with his computer sounds both odd and perverse but when you see the way Theodore mopes around trying to regain his emotional footing, you root for any kind of happiness for him. However, there are moments in the film where you want to grab him by the neck and say "snap out of it!" Theodore has opportunities to get back on the horse so to speak but something happens that brings him back to his depression which in turn blows his chance at recovery. His world completely changes after seeing that ad for the new operating system that promises a more unique and tailored AI that will fit his personality.

It's at that moment where Her steps out and becomes the film it was intended to be. The initial conversation between Theodore and Samantha sounds "robotic" no pun intended. Once they begin to learn more about each other a bond begins to build and they're off to the races. Scarlett Johansson does some of her best work in this film and it's both a complement and a knock because you never see her. This is by far the main reason why she wasn't in consideration for an Oscar. It didn't help her case that this year's nominees turned in plus performances. Still, Johansson was remarkable. Her voice had this gripping feel to it that made you feel like she was real. She's so good that you wanted her to have a body and be real.
That being said, Her doesn't shy away from the reality that a human being is having a full blown relationship with a computer. Jonze creates several moments that were necessary but very uncomfortable to watch. The biggest one comes at the end of Act 2 into Act 3 when Samantha wants to take her relationship with Theodore to the "next level". It was a very weird scene to watch but at the same time was poignant. The film reminds you that the people in this world can and will detach themselves from human contact with the push of a button.

The film is also a commentary on the acceptance of society. Theodore openly admits that he's having a relationship with his AI and it's universally accepted by everyone but his ex. Her reaction is one that you'd expect to see. However, as the scene plays out you end up being on Theodore's side. That's what this movie ultimately does. You are brought into Theodore's world and live as he lives. You're emotions are pulled in the same directions as his and it forces you to choose what side of the fence you want to be on.
Finally, the film does a really good job bringing you back to the "human" side of things. This applies to the end. I won't say how it ends but it was as close to perfect as you could get. How they got there was a little hokey but they had to get there somewhere. If I had to pick at this film at all it would be that. The moment that "inspires" Theodore's new lease on life felt a bit schemed. It's a tiny swipe at a film that is in every other facet a knockout.

On the 5 star scale. Her gets the full house. 5 stars with a resounding "Worth Every Penny!" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"