MOVIE REVIEW FOR HER

Comparisons to 2004’s “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” are inevitable, but with “Her” writer-director Spike Jonez has created a film that is more original and thought provoking than anything else you are likely to see at the movies this weekend. Much like the aforementioned “Sunshine,” “Her” uses a little bit of sci fi in order to tell an unconventional cliché free love story.
The film takes place in a near future where many people find themselves attached to their technological devices. Joaquin Phoenix in a typically virtuosic performance is Theodore; a melancholy, recently divorced letter writer who falls in love with his highly evolved operating system named Samantha, voiced by a funny and sexy Scarlett Johansson. Amy Adams in an eponymous role is Theodore’s friend. It’s a small role but Adams adds another great performance to her already impressive resume.
In this film, technology has advanced to the point where the line between what is real and what is virtual becomes increasingly blurred. Samantha may not be “real” but the relationship between her and Theodore feels genuine and real. What’s amazing about this movie is how effectively it gets you attached to the relationship between Theodore and his non corporeal lover. There are times I found myself actually rooting for things to work out for the couple as Theodore introduces the joy and sadness of human life to Samantha’s always curious, inquiring and constantly evolving consciousness.
While “Her” could be read as a warning about how technology can diminish authentic human relationships, it seems to be more about human loneliness and how deeply we are hard-wired to need connection with others. Each of us craves to love and to be loved, but we also want to be understood and have someone to share our life experience with. “Her” portrays this longing with painful accuracy and genuine humor. It’s a tribute to the skills of Spike Jonez and his talented cast that such a brainy and odd story could be this relatable and effective in capturing its subject. Spike Jonez is a talented artist and with “Her” he takes a risk and he triumphs.