The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Spirit Zero]

Metropolis (1927)

First time seeing this epic and I will be honest as I usually am, I found most of this very boring!. I knew it was a silent black and white film of course (even better! I enjoy black and white films), but the plot is totally not what I expected. I always thought this was a kind of Frankenstein story, the creation of a robot, life, its actually partly that but mainly based around a religious theme of a woman (almost akin to Moses and being worshipped as a saviour) leading the lowly workers to revolt against the high and mighty city planners. In turn it then proceeds to turn into a disaster movie and then finally ends with a Gothic horror type finale in the same visual realms as 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'.

Its hard to take the whole film in as its very complicated with all its messages, themes and metaphors which are both obvious and hidden. The characters are all very well portrayed and much deeper than you'd expect as the film progresses, although the lack of wording/text (any missing or taken out?) makes it hard to follow and pick up all the information you need. Its a basic premise used over and over these days, the rich elite living high above the earth in towering buildings of power whilst the poor grunts toil in the bowels below powering the fantastic city above them which they cannot hope to live in.

Of course the film being made by a German in 1927 with the Nazi regime starting to linger in the background the film does have that oppressive vibe and heavy set biblical undercurrent. Lang was anti-fascist and he tries to show that with the squalid peasants that live beneath the mighty city. Its funny because this film feels very much like a fascist film with its certain clear cut visuals, especially in this era, you do get mixed signals I think.

The real reason to watch this film is of course the visuals, stunts and musical score (it is really), its a masterclass in movie making. The score is an opera, its first rate, top class, its as good as any known Hollywood musical and practically tells the story on its own...which its suppose to do I might add (no speech remember). Every person and every event is recorded with the perfect tune/note/theme which guides you along the way as if you were holding hands with the composer.

The visuals, imagination and design of the film are the real stand out spectacles with absolutely incredible special effects ranging from simple model work to matte paintings that create a blend of craftsmanship that truly puts some modern films to shame. This was in 1927 remember!. The now familiar harsh stark black and white contrast adds to the stylish German expressionism to give it that Gothic, gloomy yet quite realistic feel which I really believe would be lost in colour. The camera angles and forced perspective used to create the towering Art Deco skyscrapers, flashing neon signs and sprawling urban jungle of buildings is simply perfect, you just can't fault it, and its so very easy to see where many top directors of the biggest sci-fi and Gothic films in history have gotten their inspiration, but I don't blame them for one minute. The skylines on view in this film are awe-inspiring with immense depth and tiny movement everywhere, its a model train set on an epic scale and it still looks awe-inspiring today.

The costumes worn by the city planners and their leader 'Fredersen' don't appear dated too much...just smart basic and believable whilst the set designs and futuristic creations on show are pretty accurate of our age and do look really nice (video phone). The offices and building layouts just look quite practical, livable, clean and well thought out, much like first impressions of 'Blade Runner', everything does seem to be functional. Lang and co do appear to be very stable futurists.

All this without even mentioning the near perfect body suit used to create the robot 'Maria'. The sculpture work is iconic and begs to be worshipped!. Not only does it look like a real working robot (for the time) and the influence behind god knows how many sci-fi characters, but the actress inside gives a beautifully silent (obviously) slow performance with hardly any effort used. Merely standing and walking but using the suit to her advantage to make it work on every level. The scientists dark 50's looking lab where Maria is resurrected is gorgeous looking too and those now memorable ascending/descending glowing halo's that surround Maria where she sits are the icing on the sci-fi cake (now of course the stuff of B-movie legend).

Not only are the effects amazing but the stunt work during the second half of the film is quite risky and daring to say the least, as the machines crumble after the workers revolt the sets come crashing down in eye widening sequences. The huge props fall apart and puff out smoke whilst the flooding scenes mix neat model shots with quite large sets and huge amounts of extras used (there are some quite stunning scenes with masses of extras used during the film all without the use of CGI making them very special indeed). Some of the sets must have been vast or at least give that impression, the cathedral steps and ginormous doors are a sight to behold trust me. Many sequences do look like stage sets in a theatre with props taking up almost all the space with their realistic scale, most are obvious of course. But there is vast contrast in detail between some of the huge greasy mechanical sets, religious Gothic sets, decaying earthy catacomb, Nazi-esque power sets and cold blank sterile black and white dystopian technological sets. Religion and fascism/anti-fascism set in a thick expressionist future. The film touches on various genres in a way.

A historic film that defies belief, everything is so well done, such precision yet so old you just wonder how film makers can make such trash these days. The story is boring and a little hard to follow I have to admit, lots of odd almost surreal images, ideas and character arch's going on, which isn't surprising seeing as its getting close to a hundred years old. But you watch for the craftsmanship on display, the effects, lighting, camera angles, set designs, models, costumes...all these must be seen to be believed. You can easily look past the religious/fascist connotations and enjoy the fantasy, this is the true art of proper film making.

10/10

[Lepidopterous]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Yes! I love the way light is used in this movie to convey mood: overcast, dim, sunny, bright all conveying their respective moods. It shouldn't lessen Jonze's extraordinary achievements of the past when I say his filmmaking has evolved. It could just be he is working with a great DP (the man that shot Tinker Tailor) and art design team, but a lot of the input had to be his as well.

I can't wait to see it for a third time this week!

Haha nice. I'm anxious to see it again as well. This is one I'd love to watch the special features for to learn the thought processes behind its unique qualities and creativity. Caught Scar Jo on Jon Stewart last week.

[Spirit Zero]

The Monster Squad (1987)

Bunch of savvy kids that have their own secret club, a neat treehouse base and end up on a spooky adventure trying to stop supernatural forces...you could say this has a 'Goonie' influence. Hell the young boys even have a fat kid amongst their ranks and he wears loud brightly coloured shirts too.

The plot is hammy as hell but it is suppose to be a homage and twist on the classic B-movie horror genre and of course Universal horror monsters. Putting all the big name supernatural beings together and sticking them in the 80's (present day back then). All the classic monsters including Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, Gill-man, the Wolf Man and The Mummy teaming up to try and take over the world with a supernatural amulet, only the kids can stop them. The only way they can be stopped is to open a portal into limbo and kick them through...this whole idea visually looks identical to the portal sequences in the 'Evil Dead' franchise.

So the whole thing is really cheesy and silly as it is suppose to be a kids flick, but it is??. There is actually some quite edgy scenes in the film with visible blood and body parts! when Wolf Man gets blown into pieces for example, nothing much hidden. Some scenes are also a bit scary for the younger viewer in my opinion. Again Wolf Man attacking people and transforming in classic 'American Werewolf' style, stakes through various hearts with blood, Dracula trying to actually kill the kids and the makeup doesn't skimp with realism.

The monsters all look as they should in classic style but they certainly aren't tame by any means. Wolf Man has a much wilder vicious look which is pretty scary, Gill-man is the best if you ask me, he looks terrific, whilst Frankie is as expected as is The Mummy. Its only Dracula who doesn't really thrill, the casting seems a bit off to me, the guy in the role just doesn't look right, he's too young and 'modern' looking if you get me. There are also Dracula's vampiresses who look as you would expect but they have no purpose in the film, kinda under used idea really, clearly crammed in.

Naturally there are plot issues a plenty which don't really matter but they do stick out. Why exactly does Dracula have Frankie in the first place?. Where did Dracula get that big black slick custom hearse?? he's only been in the US about one day! and how did he get a hold of that big mansion? is it his??. The most obvious to me was why exactly Gill-man, The Wolf Man and The Mummy all joined Dracula in the first place, they all just appeared and teamed up. So before hand what exactly did Gill-man do? he just like...lived in the swamp? how did he and The Mummy know Dracula had arrived in the region? I'm guessing it was his supernatural powers. None of the monsters have any real backstory, it all just happens.

The silliest of all was in the finale when Van Helsing appears from the portal to drag Dracula through it. But if Helsing was in limbo how did he get out to do that? and wouldn't he wanna try and stay in the real world once getting out?! I'm pretty sure it wasn't easy.

Its certainly a strange beast this film, its hardly for kids with the blood, monsters and Dracula going around snapping cops necks, yet it is aimed at kids with the young 'Goonie-esque' line up. The young cast are good but the whole time you can't help but think they really wanted Corey Feldman, Haim and Astin in the main roles. Pretty much cast everyone from 'The Goonies' in this and while you're at it call it Goonies 2. End of the day the film was just an excuse to bring back all the classic B-movie monsters and have them looking top dollar with modern makeup (for the time of course). And it works plain and simple, the plot is daft with many holes but it doesn't really matter, its a flick for ghoulish monster lovers with a touch of Indy adventure for good measure.

8/10

[Spirit Zero]

Lone Survivor (2013)

This film was made by Peter Berg, the same guy who made 'Battleship'!...well I guess that explains the casting of Taylor Kitsch again. Man talk about not learning lessons, Kitsch was the only guy in this film that genuinely didn't fit the bill, next to Wahlberg and Foster it is clear.

This film is based on a real event back in 2005 when the US managed to get some of their military killed...yet again. Four SEAL's are dropped into enemy territory in Afghanistan for surveillance and reconnaissance but are soon discovered by local goat herders. After releasing them the heat is on as the team must evac asap before the Taliban come after them, sure enough they do.

The beginning of the film is very interesting as it shows real footage of real men going through hell to try and become SEAL's. From there on we do get some time to get to know the team that will be our guide through this ordeal, not a lot of time mind you but its enough. There isn't much hanging around as the film moves quickly into the main crux of the film, before you know it we're sneaking around the rocky bush in a mountainous region of Afghanistan.

I'm not gonna sweet talk it but this film is all about the long fightfire between the SEAL's and the Taliban after their mission was compromised. There isn't much else to the film other than that, but what you see is damn intense. At first the small team have everything under control taking down the enemy calmly and smoothly and it makes you feel at ease, it feels like a cool action flick. But bit by bit the team become more and more overrun and seem to be becoming outnumbered as the fight continues. The men are forced to move from spot to spot desperately trying to find good cover to return solid fire and the intensity of the action becomes greater and greater. You are on the edge of your seat the whole time this fight rages on, you know from fact that only one will survive and you know who, but it doesn't detract from the immensely harrowing fight for survival taking place before your eyes, its relentless.

This firefight must be one of the top 'action' sequences I have seen for some years and the fact its based on reality drills it home hard. Seeing these four guys slowly getting battered, bruised, shot and exhausted by the continuous siege of the enemy is sobering to say the least. What really hits you is the decisions they had to make to carry on, the fact they had to jump down cliff faces as they were pushed back. When watching these sequences I did find myself wondering if the film wasn't embellishing on the truth somewhat (only the remaining survivor can really say), its possible but apparently not. The same could be said about each of the SEAL's getting shot various times, it did seem a bit too Hollywood to me, how could these guys be getting shot over and over and still be carrying on?. I have since read the wounds on the SEAL's shown were gotten from medical records and are precise!.

As the story gets deeper we then see how a US MH-47 chopper is blasted out of the sky by an RPG!. Again this is based on reality and happened but you couldn't have scripted it better if you think about it. A terrible set of events but it makes for a thrilling film no doubt and you gotta give Berg and his cast kudos for bringing it across for all to see. I was impressed by both Wahlberg's and Foster's performances here, not just because they are the big names on campus but the clear determination on their faces to bring the horror and realism of the situation to the surface whilst truly honouring the men they portrayed.

It does of course feel very patriot as you would expect with a US military flick and the focus is more on the action in the main battle rather than the characters. One let down of the film being the entire fictional Hollywood finale which wasn't required at all, but rather shows us that all Hollywood is concerned about is the bloodshed and violence in the event and adding more just in case. The whole thing does feel like 'war porn', just seeing these guys shot to bits slowly in a fracas that got out of hand quickly and the US lost, this kind of thing has probably happened many times and we'll never know. The US seem to be very good at messing up their military ops and then making courageous patriotic films about them, cynically saying that is.

Never the less the film is a hard hitting visual and audio spectacle that does manage to convey to us what happened with the majority of the film being truthful. I know it sounds cliched but this is easily 2013's 'Black Hawk Down'. So Mr Berg there you have it, you have found your niche, less 'Battleship' crapola, less Taylor Kitsch and more films like this.

8/10

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by DjMethod

Haha nice. I'm anxious to see it again as well. This is one I'd love to watch the special features for to learn the thought processes behind its unique qualities and creativity. Caught Scar Jo on Jon Stewart last week.

Definitely. I don't expect much in the way of special features, though. It seems WB saves those for their blockbusters.

[Spirit Zero]

Suburban Commando (1991)

Holy tight ass spandex Batman! a vehicle all for Hulk Hogan! luckily Christopher Lloyd is there to save the day kinda. A alien warrior that oddly enough looks exactly like a human being must save Earth and the universe from another set of aliens who also happen to look exactly like Human beings! what are the odds?.

So for better of worse Hogan is an alien that is basically space Rambo, he wears unconvincing plastic looking armour and carries unconvincing plastic looking weapons with flashing lights on them. It all looks like its been made by a fan for a comicbook convention, basically very good cosplay.

The film also kicks off with a pretty bland looking 'Star Wars' rip or homage however you wanna look at it. Its virtually shot for shot as a huge lumbering spacecraft slowly glides over the top of your screen like the Star Destroyer in 'A New Hope'. We then see a pretty terrible looking space battle with familiar looking laser shots all over and the intro of the supreme bad guy who is a short bald human. Maybe a bit of 'Spaceballs' going on there, mirroring Rick Moranis.

Most of this film comprises of small action and comedy sketches set up for Hogan to abuse with his big frame. So you get various silly scenes where he beats up bad guys, stops petty crimes, helps kids, helps old ladies, the odd pratfall and goofiness due to his super strength etc...its all very predictable and childish but then it is a kids flick.

In all honesty Hogan is a reasonable comedy actor and does ham it up nicely, he is also clearly great with kids which is nice and adds a genuine gentle touch to the films infantile bits. The best part of the film is the pretty sweet alien monster costume which appear when the bad guy transforms (yep he was a nasty alien creature all along). This suit is actually pretty scary for a kids flick which isn't surprising seeing as its a Steve Johnson creation. Other than that the rest of the effect are tacky as hell but that does kinda add to the charm I can't deny.

A typical low budget looking B-movie affair that didn't really do anything other than give Hogan some work to do. but despite that it is a warm fuzzy little flick with a good heart.

6/10

[Walts Ghost]

'Her' review:

"Falling in love is a crazy thing to do. It's like a socially acceptable form of insanity."

Wow…Holy shit. ‘Her’. All the feelings. It has absolutely blown me away. Early contender for favorite film of the year, easily. Just breathtaking. It's hard to remember the last time a move made me feel this way. It's hard not to fall incredibly head over heels in love with it.

There's so much here take in and digest. It's a film that is completely carried by it's leads, Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson. They're both so incredible in the film, bringing this incredibly real, raw, and emotional relationship and story to life. Johansson's performance is the one that real stands out though. It's hard to believe how riveting as the software system that Phoenix is in love with, by just using her voice. It's remarkable, and speaks about just how awesome of an actress she really is. The way these two play off each other is perfect, and it makes you wish that it had been longer, just so you could spend more time with them.

Jonze's film is technically beautiful as well. It's got a great soundtrack and score that compliments the film, and the cinematography is wonderful. The way it's shot, you feel like you're there in the film with these characters, just as intimate as they were. The world he created is so interesting as well. As much as it feels like now, it's got these slight futuristic undertones that really make it feel fresh and new. It's a world that feels real and lived in, and one we could explore for hours.

Honestly, what else is there to say? Jonze has managed to make a magnificent and meaningful film. It's one that will last for decades to come, and one that will leave an impact on many people.

5/5

[bluearth]

Just watched the critically acclaimed Russian Film Solaris (1972)

Sadly, I was disappointed. The plot is pushed forward by dialogue far too much. And this dialogue can really, really drag. The most interesting part of the entire film was

[Show spoiler]his imagination forming his dead wife. I had a similar idea for a book I was going to write, about a man who formed a woman from his imagination and how she eventually came to know she wasnt real and eventually had to go. Incredibly enough, this is exactly what Solaris is about down to the details.

Interesting film, but drags too much and never really tries to explain or give a satisfying answer to anything. If your going to make me sit through a 3 hour film I better know alot more about whats going on at the end then I did at the beginning. I didnt here.

3/5

Fire Fox (1982)

Clint Eastwood has to sneak into Russia and still a top secret jet aircraft. I really liked this. Reminded me of a heist film but much more expansive and with bigger things at stake. It held my attention from beginning to the end. Bravo.

4/5

[Walts Ghost]

Just watched 'The Spectacular Now', and I was quite taken with it:

"P.S. - I don't know if this was due a long time ago. Probably was. That's fine. It may be too late for this essay. But it's not too late for me."

What a wonderful little film this turned out to be. It was nothing like I was expecting, and felt like a very real and real high school relationship, and the problems that many of us face. This is 'Say Anything...' for a new generation. First love, new love, ex-girlfriends, broken families, and the uncertainty of the future were all tackled head on, and with ease by its leads, Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller.

The two leads are absolutely perfect together, and they play off each other so well. They share a very real and warming connection, and you're rooting for them the whole time. Be it Sutter dealing with his alcohol and father issues head on, or Aimee's first foray into love and saving Sutter, it all just clicks and feels so perfectly real. These two are ones to look out for, because they will have excellent careers ahead of them if they keep making smart choices like this with their films.

The script is great, balancing the drama and reality of the hardships of young life and love, while also alleviating it with nice little doses of character and comedy. The whole thing feels like a perfectly balanced, and well executed. While I think it begins to drag a bit towards the end, it's nothing that really effects the film, until they decide to gloss over a major event in the third act. How they could so quickly gloss over that is quite strange, but it doesn't effect the film too much in the end.

There's so much to love with this film. It feels like something from the 1980s, and like a cool companion piece to 'Say Anything...', which will now be a new double feature for me. The leads are so good together, and really bring a sense of realism to their characters, and with a script that gives them so much to work with, they knocked it out of the park. This is great film, no way around.

4.5/5

[Walts Ghost]

Finally saw '12 Years a Slave'.

"I will not fall into despair till freedom is opportune!"

Wow, what a harrowing, brutal, and incredibly gut wrenching film. Steve McQueen's directed a beautifully shot and acted film that delves into the darkest side of American History. It doesn't matter what we know about the events of those time, this movie drags what seems to be even more of the darkest sides of it up, creating a film that is incredibly riveting, yet traumatizing, and beautiful yet ugly. The film is carried by its lead, Chiwetel Ejiofor, who gives a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

Ejiofor's performance as Solomon Northup, a man black man in New York who is kidnapped and forced into slavery for twelve years, is absolutely incredible. He's absolutely incredibly and breathtaking, giving a career beset performance. He makes you really feel what Solomon feels, and you feel like you're a part of his life. His just so incredible to watch, because he brings so much emotion to the character, you can guarantee more people will be offering him roles soon. The supporting cast is incredible as well, with Michael Fassbender and Benedict Cumberbatch both sticking out and leaving marks on the film. Fassbender in particular is an evil, despicable man of the South, that there is nothing redeemable about. He plays the role so well, with so much intensity, that you can't help but watch. He's never disappointed in any role, and this is no different.

McQueen's film is visually beautiful. It's a very nicely shot and put together period piece, with incredible sets and locations. He has replicated the look of the south in that time frame completely, and it's so well done. The score is also quite good, causing so much tension, it's one of the best scores in recent memory.

I'm very pleased that the film didn't let me down. But it's a daunting watch, and one that will leave you cold after, making you feel dirty for the atrocities that happened in those times. Everyone gives incredible performances, with Chiwetel's being an easy contender for the Best Actor win at the Academy Awards. You have to be in the right mood for this movie, but it's one everyone should see. It'll leave a mark for a long time.

5/5

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

Just watched 'The Spectacular Now', and I was quite taken with it:

I blind bought this on Tuesday. Really looking forward to when I watch my copy, especially since I've been waiting to see this since before it came to the theater.

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I blind bought this on Tuesday. Really looking forward to when I watch my copy, especially since I've been waiting to see this since before it came to the theater.

Yeah, I'd been waiting to see it for a while, and I'm glad that it didn't disappoint. Hope you enjoy it, Killowertz.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

Yeah, I'd been waiting to see it for a while, and I'm glad that it didn't disappoint. Hope you enjoy it, Killowertz.

I'd be absolutely shocked if I didn't, and obviously extremely disappointed. If I don't, then you owe me $15. Why? Because I felt like saying that.

[Steve46]

Her (2013)
Comedy, Drama, Romance, 126 minutes
Directed by Spike Jonze
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara and Chris Pratt

Her is a very unusual movie with some interesting observations about the way in which people are becoming more reliant on technology. It's set in Los Angeles in the not too distant future, and tells the story of Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix). He works as a writer, producing flowery love letters for people who who lack the ability to express their feelings. He's good at his job.

Unfortunately, Theodore's own relationship is failing and he is soon to be divorced from his wife, Catherine (Rooney Mara). When he buys a new computer operating system, his life changes dramatically. The program adapts to his personality and needs, and evolves at a tremendous rate. This screen persona names 'herself' Samantha, and is voiced by Scarlett Johansson.

To his surprise and delight, Theodore finds that he is able to connect with Samantha in ways that he never could with a physical person. Communication is everything in his relationship, and he finds it easy to express his deepest thoughts and feelings to Samantha. At the outset, it's probably a form of self-analysis, but as the relationship develops, it's clear that Samantha is real to Theodore.

I think modern technology is under the microscope in this movie, and director Spike Jonze is observing how so many people are open to sharing their feelings on the Internet. It seems that many of us are less guarded and willing to risk revealing our secrets when we don't have to do it face-to-face. That's certainly true for me. The movie also deals with the irony of Theodore's success in writing about other people's feelings while struggling to communicate in his own personal life.

Theodore's best friend, Amy (Amy Adams), is the only real person he feels comfortable talking with about the things that really matter in life. These are the kind of friends who are there for each other when they are most needed, no matter how hard it is to listen.

I don't want to spoil any of the surprises, so I'll stop talking about the plot. The story is intelligent and thoughtful in its observations, and Phoenix is exceptional as Theodore. If you're used to seeing him cast as a villain, you might find his performance refreshing. He's vulnerable and rather likable, and it's easy to empathize with the things he experiences. Despite being nominated for Best Picture, Her won't win any awards. But I'm not sure that I've seen a better acting performance all year. Phoenix has to show considerable range in the role, and does it without ever seeming as if he is acting. Amy Adams plays one of the lovable characters that we see in most of her movies, and she's perfectly cast. I could imagine myself spending the rest of my life talking to her character.

The movie raises plenty of questions about modern society. What constitutes a real relationship? Is physical contact essential? Can we exist without technology?

I found myself thinking of the Ender's Game sequels (Speaker for the Dead, Xenocide, and Children of the Mind) for much of the story. If you have read them, you'll know that Ender's most trusted friend was a computer program that he accessed through a jewel in his ear. His friend Jane is not too dissimilar to Samantha. I urge you to read the whole series if you enjoyed the Ender's Game movie.

As the movie ended, the audience quickly filed out, and people began accessing their cell phones. As for me, I rushed home to share my thoughts with you. We live in the virtual world far more than some of us are willing to admit.

If you like original ideas, good acting, and thoughtful stories, go and see Her. If you need a fast-paced story with plenty of action, give this one a miss.

Overall score 4.5/5

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Her (2013)
Comedy, Drama, Romance, 126 minutes
Directed by Spike Jonze
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara and Chris Pratt

[Show spoiler]Her is a very unusual movie with some interesting observations about the way in which people are becoming more reliant on technology. It's set in Los Angeles in the not too distant future, and tells the story of Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix). He works as a writer, producing flowery love letters for people who who lack the ability to express their feelings. He's good at his job.

Unfortunately, Theodore's own relationship is failing and he is soon to be divorced from his wife, Catherine (Rooney Mara). When he buys a new computer operating system, his life changes dramatically. The program adapts to his personality and needs, and evolves at a tremendous rate. This screen persona names 'herself' Samantha, and is voiced by Scarlett Johansson.

To his surprise and delight, Theodore finds that he is able to connect with Samantha in ways that he never could with a physical person. Communication is everything in his relationship, and he finds it easy to express his deepest thoughts and feelings to Samantha. At the outset, it's probably a form of self-analysis, but as the relationship develops, it's clear that Samantha is real to Theodore.

I think modern technology is under the microscope in this movie, and director Spike Jonze is observing how so many people are open to sharing their feelings on the Internet. It seems that many of us are less guarded and willing to risk revealing our secrets when we don't have to do it face-to-face. That's certainly true for me. The movie also deals with the irony of Theodore's success in writing about other people's feelings while struggling to communicate in his own personal life.

Theodore's best friend, Amy (Amy Adams), is the only real person he feels comfortable talking with about the things that really matter in life. These are the kind of friends who are there for each other when they are most needed, no matter how hard it is to listen.

I don't want to spoil any of the surprises, so I'll stop talking about the plot. The story is intelligent and thoughtful in its observations, and Phoenix is exceptional as Theodore. If you're used to seeing him cast as a villain, you might find his performance refreshing. He's vulnerable and rather likable, and it's easy to empathize with the things he experiences. Despite being nominated for Best Picture, Her won't win any awards. But I'm not sure that I've seen a better acting performance all year. Phoenix has to show considerable range in the role, and does it without ever seeming as if he is acting. Amy Adams plays one of the lovable characters that we see in most of her movies, and she's perfectly cast. I could imagine myself spending the rest of my life talking to her character.

The movie raises plenty of questions about modern society. What constitutes a real relationship? Is physical contact essential? Can we exist without technology?

I found myself thinking of the Ender's Game sequels (Speaker for the Dead, Xenocide, and Children of the Mind) for much of the story. If you have read them, you'll know that Ender's most trusted friend was a computer program that he accessed through a jewel in his ear. His friend Jane is not too dissimilar to Samantha. I urge you to read the whole series if you enjoyed the Ender's Game movie.

As the movie ended, the audience quickly filed out, and people began accessing their cell phones. As for me, I rushed home to share my thoughts with you. We live in the virtual world far more than some of us are willing to admit.

If you like original ideas, good acting, and thoughtful stories, go and see Her. If you need a fast-paced story with plenty of action, give this one a miss.

Overall score 4.5/5

No, I won't go see it...

[Show spoiler]But I am anxiously awaiting the Blu-ray release.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

Finally saw '12 Years a Slave'.

Truly phenomenal filmmaking!

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

No, I won't go see it...

[Show spoiler]But I am anxiously awaiting the Blu-ray release.

April maybe?

I still have about 15 free movie passes to work through so I'll be seeing a few more in the coming days.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Steve46

April maybe?

I still have about 15 free movie passes to work through so I'll be seeing a few more in the coming days.

I'm currently waiting for the film to come out over here, like all films around this time of year, I'm left waiting to see all the big Oscar stuff.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I'm currently waiting for the film to come out over here, like all films around this time of year, I'm left waiting to see all the big Oscar stuff.

At least the Oscars have been pushed to March, so you can probably catch all that you want to.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Steve46

At least the Oscars have been pushed to March, so you can probably catch all that you want to.

I missed the chance to watch Philomena, but I should be able to see the rest of the best picture nods before beginning of March.

Seen (ranked in quality)

12 Years a Slave
Nebraska
Gravity
Captain Phillips
American Hustle

And I should be checking out Wolf of Wall Street tomorrow night.