Now Playing

Here's a look at the movies I saw this week.

Her
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, Chris Pratt, and Rooney Mara
Synopsis: We all crave connection and intimacy, but it can be hard to find. That’s the central idea in “Her,” a new film from Spike Jonze that has an odd hook while looking at a critical subject. Jonze takes that idea a step further in considering how advances in technology will impact that deep need to be known and share life with another. What role with advances in artificial intelligence play? Can a computer provide as much companionship and understanding as a real, live human being. The reaction of most of us would be no, but as “Her” shows it might not be that simple. While strange, it’s an oddly compelling story of romance and a fascinating character study. “Her” is the kind of movie that takes a look at a lot of things and approaches familiar topics in unexpected ways. Jonze, who also wrote the screenplay, does a great job of creating an organic love story between a man and the voice in his computer. It’s a beautiful exploration of technology, connection, love and the pitfalls of it all. Technology can be a wonderful thing, but it’s also allowed us to become more isolated. In some ways people are more connected, across long distances, then they’ve ever been thanks to advances in technology and social media. But are these really the kind of deep, meaningful connections we need to survive? That’s the question on the outskirts of “Her.” The film is set in the not too distant future, and the most amazing part of it all might be how believable it is in 2014 that an artificial intelligence like Samantha could exist. While the characters in “Her” don’t seem that surprised that Theodore has formed a romantic attachment to his operating system, it feels strange to the audience. But at the same time, Jonze puts the story together in such a way that it seems plausible. What helps is the great performances in the film. Phoenix does an incredible job of bringing Theodore and his relationship to life, no easy task considering he is acting alone on screen much of the film. Equally as impressive is Johansson’s work. She gives spirit and form to a character without ever appearing on screen. It is a difficult and vitally important role to the film. At its heart, “Her” is a love story. It’s unconventional and, at times, uncomfortable, but it’s a love story all the same. It’s about a man searching for meaningful human connection and finding it somewhere unexpected. It’s also about the way that relationship pointed him in a new direction. It’s funny, moving and heart-breaking at times. That’s the power of the story it tells, and a credit to Jonze and his cast. “Her” is an unexpected movie, which is why it has resonated with critics and audiences alike. It’s unlike any movie I’ve seen this year, and that’s a good thing.
Rating: R for language, sexual content and brief graphic nudity. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Nebraska

Starring: Bruce Dern, June Squibb, Will Forte, Stacey Keach, and Bob Odenkirk

Synopsis: Woody Grant wants one last adventure. He's led a simple, unimpressive life. He's been easy-going, often to his own detriment. And he sees his days coming to an end. When he gets a letter in the mail suggesting he might be a millionaire, Woody Grant doesn't waste a moment. That's a problem for his son, David, who soon gets pulled into an unlikely adventure. Alexander Payne, who directed "Nebraska," has a gift for these kind of stories. Working off a script from Bob Nelson, he breathes an interesting bit of life into this story of a father, a son, and the road trip that would change them both. Payne made the bold choice to shoot in black and white, which gives the film a different and more fascinating quality. He also gets some great performances. Dern is solid in the lead role as the aloof and sometimes confused Woody, while Forte — known more for comedy — does a great job as Woody's son, David, pulled along on this wacky adventure. Another fascinating part of the film is the way it explores family, and how the events from our past we're least likely to share with others can have the biggest impact on our lives. For Woody, the trip is one last shot at being relevant before his life ends. For David, it turns into a trip that allows him to not only bond with his father in a new way, it helps him to understand his father in a new way. There are some funny moments, some quirky moments, and some emotional moments. This isn't Payne's best film. I still think "About Schmidt," "The Descendants," and "Sideways" are better, but it is an enjoyable film. While last week I looked at "August: Osage County," a film about family dysfunction that is dark and bleak, this is a film about family that offers a bit of levity and hope. It's a more loving and hopeful film, and it leaves you feeling a bit better about life. That is a rare find given the field of this year's films.

Rating: R for some language.

Verdict: Four stars out of four

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, January 24 — "I, Frankenstien," "Gimme Shelter"

Friday, January 31 — "Labor Day," "That Awkward Moment"