Her

Her
(2013) [Trailer]
Director: Spike Jones [IMDB]

Spike Jones is responsible for Being John Malkovich, which is in my Top 100 Films of All Time. He also cranked out Adaption, which would be a close runner up for that list. Point is, I like the dude, okay? When I saw his first trailer for Her, I was excited to lay my eyes upon the final product. Her and Inside Llewyn Davis were probably the two films I regret not seeing the most before I made my Top Ten of 2013, but I'm a busy man (internet porn) and I can't see everything. Finally Her gets its day in court, WFR court that is.

Synopsis: In the future people use Operating Systems to help them get their act together. Joaquin Phoenix falls in love with his OS... played by the voice of Scarlett Johansson.

Party voice. Do you know what that is? That is when a young lady smokes and drinks, then finds herself out in loud social environments where she has to shout a lot. If these steps are repeated often enough, her voice will start to sound raspy. Scarlett Johansson has party voice. I never really noticed until this movie. Maybe it's because you never see her and that's all you can focus on. Anyways, onto more pressing matters.

Her is effective at painting a very realistic portrait of the future. Sure, the future may not be exactly as it's portrayed in the film, but it's believable enough that you almost forget it's sci-fi. But it is, and a wonderful example of how sci-fi doesn't need epic space battles and CG to sell it. Her has an interesting concept and one that is executed fairly well. Spike Jones' direction is concrete and the pacing of Her was smooth. Phoenix and Johansson were both great, and made on screen chemistry in a unique way. Amy Adams was mediocre, like she is in most films... sorry Amy Adams fans. The film takes some turns towards the end which I think could have been handled differently, but ultimately I was happy with the overall take.

Her is still in theaters and I'd recommend it. Especially if you are familiar with the director's prior work, I think you'll enjoy it.