Her (2013) Review

If you think the idea if falling in love with a computer, or more specifically, an Operating System (OS) is ridiculous then Her might change your mind. I love how realistic this situation feels in the film. Presented with the same scenario, can we all be so sure that it couldn't happen to us?

If you are reading this blog, then I am assuming that you know the plot of Her. Joaquin Phoenix plays Theodore Twombly, a separated (nearly divorced) man whose job is to "write" handwritten letters for people around the world. After seeing advertisements for a new operating system, OS1, Theodore decides to purchase it and install OS1 on his computer. This install will stretch to his phone as well. Yes...the future must be nice! After the install, he is introduced to Samantha, the new OS. It is worth noting that Samantha is voiced by Scarlett Johansson who almost deserves a Best Supporting Actress nomination. She gives an amazing performance and never appears on-screen. The connection Theodore and Samantha share is instant. Theodore's social life, or lack of, lends itself perfectly to an empty space for someone or something to fill. Her personality is very fun and Theodore immediately views her as a friend. It isn't long that this relationship turns into a romantic relationship and it seems only natural. This OS reads his e-mails, manages his calendars and knows his list of friends and contacts. She is fully submersed in his life by way of the camera on his phone. He walks around and keeps the phone in his shirt pocket and sticking out the top so she can see everything he sees. I think this is the real reason why this relationship seems so real. For all intents and purpose she is there with him. Together they commentate on these day to day happenings and these moments cause them to grow close to each other. From here the relationship has its common problems such as the end of the honeymoon phase and jealousy issues from both sides. When these instances happen, you feel like Theodore isn't crazy. You feel the jealousy just as he or Samantha does.

Don't expect me to tell you how this ends, but there some people who will read into the final shot and say "well, obviously the next thing that will happen is..." I am one of the people who will just say "it would be nice if 'this' happened next." Amy Adams has a small role, but the movie needs her to work. Her presence is just enough to give the movie another view to look in from. Like I stated above, watch this film and ask yourself if you were in Theodore's shoes, could you keep Samantha at a distance?

12 Years a Slave (2013) Review

Slavery is a "hot button" topic in our society and this film punishes people in a good way, especially those who are naive to the truth of slavery. By now you have probably heard about 12 Years a Slave and how it is based off the memoir of a great man who documented his account, or maybe about Chiwetel Ejiofor's ability to become this great strong, and very real, character. Perhaps you saw something on TV talking about Lupita Nyong'o and her astounding performance. These are all great things to read about or see an advertisement for, but it all boils down to the fact that people need to see this movie. I don't care if you have hatred in your heart or fear of visual torture. This movie demands to be watched and I dare you to disagree.

The story is so simple: a black man, Solomon Northup, is living free in 1840's New York and is kidnapped and sold into slavery. The movie is about his choices on his way back to his family and the souls of the people he encounters. Just from looking at the cast you see that it is packed with transforming actors like Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Michael Fassbender. There are more and they all captivate you. Solomon suffers much on his journey through southern plantation life, but does he suffer more than others he meets? That is a big opinion seeing as you see his sufferings and you can compare them to others, especially a young girl named Patsey, played by Lupita Nyong'o. Personally, the scene involving Patsey and the whipping post was the biggest moment of the movie and really defines slavery and it's worst potentials.

This my second Steve McQueen film and I have not been disappointed with his work. He is a director that is on the rise and he seems to make nothing but great films. This seems to be his most passionate project to date. He pours everything he has into this film and it shows in every frame and every performance. After the film was over, there was nothing I wanted to see added or taken away from this movie. That is the sign of a five star movie and 12 Years a Slave earns every star and deserves a right many Oscar's this season.