Spike Jonze writes a magical love story, with great heart.

Rating: 9/10 (5 April 2014)

Woody Allen once said, "Maybe the poets are right; Love is the only answer." A quote that fits the synopsis of the very elegant Her, the new Spike Jonze film.
The film takes place in the distant future, with the brand-new smart operating system, which is very much like a smart-phone, but now, "Siri" is its own person.
The film is a strange-blend of quirky situational comedy, romance, and somber drama, which blends together to feel like Greenberg or Annie Hall. Both leads use this effectively with Scarlett Johansson giving her best performance since Lost in Translation, and Joaquin Phoenix giving an incredibly brave and spectacular performance as the lead male, Theodore. Easily, it finds itself to be the best aspect of the film.
Visually, the film was well shot. Hoyle van Hoytema focused on Theodore, with most of the film being close-ups of him. He has an interesting style, following up from Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. The camera was carefully used, which is always great. His intentions as a DP seemed to match the intentions of Jonze as a writer.
The film, while it starts off slow, progresses into this truly great love story. The idea of life is questioned with ease, and as the film continues it is tasteful, powerful, and just a film you want to watch again, bring home with you, or just become a part of and follow the life of Theodore Twombly. Coming out of the film felt like leaving Radio Days, with an ending so magical.
The supporting cast are fresh too with good performances from Rooney Mara and Amy Adams, as well as funny cameos from SNL alum Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. They help show how incredible Joaquin Phoenix is, but still give a little to the film. Amy Adams character is reminiscent of Samantha Morton's character Hattie in Sweet and Lowdown, which is a coincidence due to Morton being an executive producer.
It's key to know that Her is not a perfect film, and really not near a "perfect" film, but damn, what an enjoyable one. It's an important film, and while it slightly shows a present-day Earth, it should age well.
All in all, it was a lovely film with such a great heart.