Her Movie Review

Nominated for 5 Academy Awards
Best Picture
Best Original Screenplay (Spike Jonze)
Best Production Design
Best Original Score
Best Original Song (The Moon Song)

Naturally, I watch a lot of movies ever year. Some of them great, most of them pretty good, some incredibly mediocre, and a small few devastatingly terrible. It's a special and rare event when I watch a film and think to myself "In 30 years when people are still talking about this film, (some who weren't even alive upon its release)  I'll be able to say that I was there when it came out, and that I knew, instantly, that it would become a newly minted American classic'. Of course, I am talking about Spike Jonze's brilliant, daring, and highly original picture, Her, which is one of the best films I've seen in a very longtime, and, quite possibly, the best film of 2013. Now, 2013 (as I have stated many times before) was an incredibly special, landmark year for movies, with the release of films like Gravity, 12 Years a Slave, movies that have forever changed and influenced cinema. And despite incredibly influential and original films such as Gravity or 12 Years or The Wolf of Wall Street or American Hustle, Her is a film that, I believe, truly breaks ground for the future of American cinema. I haven't seen a film this original, this honest, this innovative, and this daring in a very very long time. Not since Christopher Nolan's Inception back in 2010 has a film REALLY impacted cinema in this way. Her is unlike anything I have ever seen, or anything I ever will see. Sure, it may spawn a series of cheap, ripoff, copycat films, unjustly trying to imitate the beauty and innovation that lies in this incredible story, but this is a film that is a completely original work of art, a piece that is all its own, and will be discussed, debated, screened in film classes, and honored for years to come.

The film centers around one, Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) who is an extremely talented writer who works for "Beautiful hand written letters.com" where he writes love notes for others to give to that special someone or whatever the situation may apply to. He's an incredibly lonely and sad man, currently going through a divorce, so he finds a new friend in his Operating System, voiced by Scarlett Johannson. I don't know about you, but if my OS had the voice of Scarlett Johansson, I'd fall in love with it too. The two soon form a relationship, and what follows is a story that could've been a complete, hokey flop right from the start, but instead is the most interesting and, yes, human romance of the year.

I am a huge fan of Spike Jonze's last work, Where the Wild Things Are. While main audiences panned the film and criticized it for being overly sad, depressing, a tad weirded out and cold, I thought it was a true masterwork, one that captured the essence of a child perfectly. That was preschool compared to what Jonze has accomplished here. Jonze based the overall look and color pallet on, surprisingly, JAMBA JUICE, and it breathes a whole new kind of light and energy into the film, showcasing some gorgeous cinematography. Jonze is also a complete pro behind the camera, capturing fantastic shot after fantastic shot, whether it be a steady, long take of Phoenix's face as he talks to Samantha (the OS) or whether it be a swift, confident pan during one of the film's beautiful montage sequences (another reason to love this film: Jonze made montages cool again). However, Jonze shows the most strength in his script which is, by far in a way, the best screenplay of the year, and one of the best screenplays I've ever heard in my life. There are moments of genuine honesty and heartache, as well as flourishes of happiness, joy, and number of absolutely hilarious moments (my favorite one involving a strange creature Theodore finds in a cave while playing a video game). There were countless moments throughout the film when I though to myself "Spike Jonze is a goddamn genius, and where can I purchase his mind".

Of course, Jonze's script, as wondrous as it is, would not work if he had incompetent actors reciting the dialogue. Luckily, he has two wonderful actors anchoring the film. The great Joaquin Phoenix gives the most honest and real performance from any actor in 2013 as the deeply layered Theodore Twombly. Phoenix has moments of incredible likability, but he's never afraid to explore the darker, more flawed aspects of the character and he does so with unabashed emotion and skill. Academy, shame on you. Scarlett Johansson gives the best performance of her career, in a voice performance nonetheless, as the OS Samantha. Johansson gives an absolutely perfect performance, and creates one of the most interesting characters I've ever seen. There were many times where I forgot that Theodore was talking to a computer, and thought he was just talking with a person. Not only should Johansson have received a best supporting actress nomination, but she should've been the front runner. Supporting players Amy Adams, Chris Pratt, Rooney Mara, and Olivia Wilde are all fantastic as well.

But perhaps the most incredible thing about Her, and why I believe it will go down in history as one of the most influential films ever made, is the way it depicts a not so distant future and how real this relationship between Theo and Samantha feels. Because of Jonze's genius, you never doubt the credibility of the love story for one second, but you also don't doubt it because this is something that could truly happen to people in the future. In a society so attached and consumed by the technology at hand, a society that many could claim is already in love with their computers, how long will it take for this to actually happen? Exactly how unrealistic is this movie? Is Theodore really that crazy or weird for falling in a love with a computer? If you were in his situation, with this opportunity presented to you, would you take it? Her is a film that has already sparked major conversation in the film community because, like it or not, this isn't a film you can't just watch and leave at the door. Not only does everyone who's seen the film discuss it, they HAVE TO discuss it, because you'd be a damn fool not to. Many people in our world inhabit that same lonely place occupied by Theodore Twombly, and wouldn't it be convenient to, simply, download a lover? Download a friend? If the real world keeps disappointing you, there's no way the virtual world can. Those are the kind of ideas and questions that Jonze has introduced here, and he does it with such, elegance, humor, and emotion that you can't imagine this story being told any other way. Her is a film for the ages, and will go down in history as one of the most influential and important films ever made.

My top 10 most anticipated films of 2014

Hello everyone! This marks the first post of The Asian Review blog, which is a brand new way for me to get my reviews out to you guys. Yes I'll still be doing the video reviews,(YouTube.com/camchangfilms), but on this site, I will be much more consistent with my posts than on YouTube, and it will allow me to give my opinions on films in a more artistic and classy (hopefully) manner, as opposed to the YouTube videos which are more energetic and comedic. On here, you will be able to read a slew of over-zealous, and overly critical reviews written by a pretentious 15 year old Asian who thinks he knows a thing or two about film, when that is (most likely) not the case.

Right now we are in the month of January, which, in the film world, is a month of horrific, terrible content in the movie theaters. January is the month of crap, meaning the studios put their worst films of the year in this time slot in order to have critics and audiences forget these retched pieces of work by the end of the year. So, naturally, I haven't been to the theaters yet this year. However, on a more positive note, let's take a look at the rest of the year as I discuss my top 10 most anticipated movies of 2014. But first, some honorable mentions.

12. The Monuments Men (February 7)

George Clooney returns in front of, and behind, the camera, to tell the courageous true story of a group of World War 2 era artists who attempt to rescue a bounty of stolen art from the Nazis. While the words "period piece" usually make me bored out of my wits, but Monuments Men looks to be a film full of excitement, laughs, and genuine emotion.

11. Muppets: Most Wanted (March 21)

I don't know about you guys, but I was a HUGE fan of the 2011 Muppets films starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams, and the sequel looks to be more of the same (but in a good way). All the muppets we know and love are back, plus the comedic additions of Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, and Ty Burrel. I predict it to be one of the best times we'll have at the theaters this year.

Now, my top 10

10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (April 4)

At this point, Marvel could make a 3 hour film about dirt and I'd watch the damn thing. Marvel Phase 2 continues with the sequel Captain America: the Winter Soldier, which centers around Cap as he continues to adjust to the modern world and work closely with SHIELD. Now I wasn't a big fan of the original 2011 film, and thought it was just OK. But, judging from the trailers, winter soldier seems to be going in a much more interesting direction, dealing with socio-political themes as well as the psychological repercussions of, well, missing 60 plus years of human life. Hopefully we'll also be treated to some kick ass action scenes and some clever tie-ins to the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

9. Noah (March 28)

Bringing, arguably THE MOST FAMOUS STORY OF ALL TIME (Noah's Ark) from THE MOST FAMOUS BOOK OF ALL TIME (The Bible) is no easy task, but the great Darren Arronofsky (Black Swan, The Wrestler) seems to be up for the task. Granted, this film could be truly awful. How will the tale of Noah's Ark translate on the big screen? Let's just hope it's not a bloated, CGI mess. In the hands of Arronfosky, it could be a work of sheer beauty and pure epicness. Add in some Russell Crowe and Emma Watson, as well as some truly magnificent visuals (showcased in the, I'll admit, mediocre trailer) and we could have a modern classic here.

8. The Lego Movie (February 7)

Before you judge, watch the trailers. Phil Lord and Chris Miller (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, 21 Jump Street) seem to be creating something TRULY AWESOME. A Lego movie has been long overdue, and I can't wait to see one that seems to have an irreverent, quirky and offbeat sense of humor. The CGI/Stop Motion crossover animation is jaw dropping, and it has an incredible voice cast (Chris Pratt, Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrel, Channing Tatum, Cobie Smulders and Morgan Freeman).

7. Guardians of the Galaxy (August 1)
 
Marvel's first "original" (sort of) movie in a long time, Guardians of the Galaxy (based on the comic of the same name) follows a group of outer space misfits who form a team and defend evil throughout the galaxy. Sounds nerdy? Yes. Sounds awesome? Yes. The unusual choice of James Gunn as director is true brilliance, and from the footage I saw at least year's D23 Expo (it's basically Disney comic con), it might just be the most original and unique superhero film in years. It's basically The Avengers in space. How could you not be excited? And who doesn't want to see Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel voice a Raccoon and a Tree respectively?

6. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (July 18)

Rise of the Planet of the Apes was one of the best films of 2011, and has gone down in film history as one of the greatest franchise reboots of all time. Its sequel has the incomparable motion capture god, Andy Serkis, back as Ceaser, and it follows a small human resistance, 8 years after the deadly virus from the 1st film plagued humanity, as they attempt to fight off the powerful Ape army. If this film is even half as good as the first, I'll be satisfied.

5. Into the Woods (December 25)

I'm a big fan of musicals, and Into the Woods is easily in my top 5. Everything about it is perfect. It contains beautiful music from my all time favorite musical composer Stephen Sondheim, a hilarious, powerful, and heartbreaking script, wonderful characters, and a timeless quality that guarantees its spot in the musical theater canon for a long, long time. Now I've learned, thanks to the dreadful 2012 musical adaptation that was Les Miserables, not to get my expectations up too high for musicals turned into movies. So while I am very excited to see the finished product, I am incredibly skeptical. Woods has a lot going for it however. Director Rob Marshall (Chicago, Nine) is a veteran when it comes to filming musicals behind the camera and it features Meryl Streep as the Witch, Emily Blunt as the Baker's Wife, Anna Kendirck as Cinderella, Chris Pine as Cinderella's Prince and Johnny Deep as the Big Bad Wolf. I'm crossing my fingers.

4. X Men: Days of Future Past (May 23)

Talk about epic. Combining the original cast of the X Men trilogy as well as their younger counterparts in X Men First Class for a superhero movie about time travel?? Bring on the nerd tears. I really enjoyed 2011's X Men First Class, and there's nothing more geekily awesome than watching old Xavier and young Xavier, as well as old Magneto and young Magneto, meeting FACE TO FACE. Add in dozens upon dozens of iconic X Men characters to the fold, as well as original X Men director Bryan Singer, and this film could join The Dark Knight and The Avengers as a modern superhero classic.

3. Godzilla (May 16)

Sometimes dark gritty reboots work. Sometimes they don't. I'm telling you, this one's gonna work. The trailer for this film is, and I mean this, ONE OF THE BEST TRAILERS I HAVE EVER SEEN, and contains a number of stylistic and meticulously crafted shots that had my jaw dropped. Who doesn't wanna see a story about a highly dangerous creature turned into a dark, exciting, and apocalyptic style film? Did I mention that Walter White is in this thing? Take my money now.

2. The Grand Budapest Hotel (March 7)

There is no filmmaker out right now who makes films the way Wes Anderson does. He defines the word originality in a whole new way. No one writes scripts like him, no one frames shots like him, and few are as original as him. His last film, the wonderful Moonrise Kingdom, has been minted by a many as a modern American classic, for good reason, and The Grand Budapest Hotel (judging from the trailer) looks to be the most Wes Andersony Wes Anderson film yet, and that makes me very, very happy. The trailer contains sensational dialogue, beautiful shots, and a number of laugh out loud moments. It also has one INSANE cast, with Ralph Fiennes, Saorise Ronan, Tilda Swinton, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Edward Norton, Owen Wilson, Jude Law, F Murray Abraham, Adrien Brody, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitl, Bob Balaban, Willem Dafoe and Tom Wilkinson.

1. Interstellar (November 7)

If you know me, your probably aware that I LOVE CHRISTOPHER NOLAN. He's one of the most consistent directors in Hollywood and, after only making 8 films, has a more impressive filmography that some of the best directors of all time who've made 50 movies. And, right off the heels of finishing the brilliant Dark Knight Trilogy, Nolan returns to the Sci-fi genre with a highly original concept involving wormholes or loopholes or...it doesn't matter because its FREAKIN CHRISTOPHER NOLAN and I will watch anything, and I mean anything, that that man directs. Also, Nolan was a genius to pick Matthew McConaughey (who has had quite the career turn around as of late) for the lead role of Cooper, and he's joined by an incredible ensemble that includes Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Casey Affleck, Michael Caine, David Oyelowo, John Lithgow, Topher Grace, and Matt Damon.