FILM REVIEW | Her

Technology. Its advancement in the 21^st century has given us ease and comfort in order to live easier and more efficient lives. But what if technology advances so much that it evolves into its own person; with thoughts and feelings; with hopes and dreams; with aspirations and achievements for growth; for understanding; maybe even, for love. Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Pheonix) and OS1 Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) are about to embark on seeing the seemingly infinite possibilities of the evolution of Technology.

The Story

This is not your typical love story. In an era where online dating has become the norm and iPhones are becoming preferable due to its in-built responsive operating system, it’s a no-brainer that someone would combine the two and create something to ponder upon. Twisting Big Bang Theory’s comedic take on Raj falling in love with Siri on it’s head, Her questions the possibilities of falling in love with something with particular qualities of human beings and the nature of relationships.

Following a man who’s going through a disheartening divorce and comparing it to his relationship with his personalised operating system, Her combines the complications of human relationships to that of an ever changing technological advancement, which – in its nature – appears to be limitless in its capability to perform human-like tasks without physically embodying a human form.

I love the concept and the nature of the story. I found it fascinating that having an operating system with a personality is what brings the idea of the possibility of forming a relationship between man and computer together. I also love the striking contrast of having the physical relationships with people work alongside the individual relationships with their OSs. It’s a beautiful concept that was executed just as wonderfully.

The Cast

Joaquin Pheonix is an incredible lead as he takes you on the highs and lows of being in and out of relationships. There’s sadness in his joy and brightness in his solemnity. He understands the complexity of the relationships that Theodore enters into and opens himself to, but also captures the struggle that he goes through in attempting to understand the evolutions, dissolutions and resolutions of those relations.

Scarlett Johansson by far receives my congratulations on her performance. Even if her role was mainly to lend her voice to the commands of what it means to be an operation system, she really does bring Samantha to life. She completely grasps the struggles that Samantha has in terms of her evolution and the anxious excitement of that growth. As Theodore began to believe in entering a forever with Samantha, Johansson made you believe in that possibility too.

Overall, this film has a beautiful concept that touches the heart. It’s one to take your love ones to and discuss afterwards. It’s one that will get you talking and thinking.

Star Rating: ★★★★

Next of sL: I, Frankenstein

FILM REVIEW | The Book Thief

Everyone dies; it’s a simply fact of, ironically, life. No one can escape Death; no can cheat Death; and no can hide from Death. But Death, in his continuous journey of meeting people in their final moments, has seen both the beautiful and ugly side that reside in humanity. But in some cases, Death finds someone to fixate upon in order to question the truth behind what it means to be human. Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) unfortunately finds herself as Death’s latest fascination.

The Story

Based on the novel by Markus Zusak, the film follows the tale of Liesel, an orphan who finds herself in the mercy of a “new father” and a “new mother”. Narrated by Death, much like the book, the film takes us through Liesel’s story throughout the rise and fall of Nazi Germany.

I haven’t read the book, which is unfortunate, because this film is absolutely moving. Much like The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas, the story is a combination of innocence, intrigue and a deeper insight to humanity. Since it’s being told from the perspective of someone who doesn’t understand that both good and bad reside in the same person, the film simply shows the story as it is – people who choose to do good, and people who choose to do bad; people who listen and follow blindly, and people who listen and silently question; above all, it shows no matter where people are from or who people are, the anyone can be family.

Since I can’t compare the film to the book, I have to say that the story was well told, even if I wasn’t sure about the narration at first. Personally, I think there didn’t need to be a narrator, but I do understand that there needs to be a correlation between the book and film.

The Cast

Sophie Nélisse – This is the first film I’ve seen this young actress in, but she was a striking and believable Liesel. Her connection with her cast members were authentic and she made me believe everything she said and did. She was just beautifully brilliant for this role.

Geoffrey Rush – Another excellent role for the Aussie actor. He played the role of Liesel’s father figure, Hans, incredibly well. He made me laugh, cry and restored my faith in humanity. Kudos to Mr Rush for an outstanding performance!

Emily Watson – I love Watson when’s she feisty, and as Liesel’s adopted mother, Rosa, she was brilliant in portraying a nagging wife with her big-heart secretly locked inside. She was never over the top in her rudeness, and she was believable in her portrayal of a woman who cares too much about everything and everyone.

Nico Liersch – playing Nélisse’s love interest and best friend, Rudy, Liersch was both the comic relief and a picture of innocence. Portraying a boy who called things as they were and dared to challenged all that he could, I thought Liersch was an outstanding support for Nélisse.

Ben Schnetzer – Although his character spent most of the time in the basement, his portrayal as Liesel’s adopted brother-figure, Max, was sensational. He played the role of the protective and instructive, loving older brother who encouraged his sister to be her best and nourished the curiosity and talent within her. Kudos to Schentzer for a moving performance.

Overall, The Book Thief is definitely one you take your whole family to. It moved me to tears on several occasions due to the fact that it was centred nicely on the family unit – no matter what it looked like. The story is incredible and the cast are phenomenal. Go see it today, seriously.

Star Rating: ★★★★★

Next on sL: Her

FILM REVIEW | Saving Mr. Banks

Pamela L. Traverse (Emma Thompson) has fought a long and hard battle with Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) when it comes the selling the rights to her beloved book, Mary Poppins. Now that 20-year-long battle has come to a standstill, Mrs Travers finds herself at Walt Disney Studious attempting to hold on to the one piece of her old life left.

The Story

A combination of past and present, we follow the parallel stories of Ginty (Annie Rose Buckley) and P. L. Travers as they unfold the story within the story of a Disney classic. The story is bound beautifully by musical classics and witty dialogue that portray the struggle between staying true to the story, as well as retaining the Disney magic.

What I love about this film is it’s realistic and packed with intrigue, enthusiasm and heart. You get the gist of what it takes to stay true to yourself and the heart of your work – no matter what anyone says or tries to do with it. There’s a balance of struggle and hope that leaves you clinging to every word and action that the characters say and do – and occasionally sing, as they all draw you in. There are moments where you want to side with Walt, but ultimately you understand why your heart stays with Pamela.

When the truth unfolds, you also see the delicate balance between the harsh realities of life right beside the escape that comes with imagination.

The Cast

Emma Thompson – her portrayal of the Australian author was incredibly believable and accurate to that of the recordings that are played at the end of the credits. Her ferocity in staying true to the author’s wishes for her book was incredible. She also carried the delicate balance of a woman who wants things to go her way and a child who only wanted to make her father proud.

Tom Hanks – captures the enthusiasm of Disney, but also carries a gentle portrayal of a man who knows the hardships of life. Hanks made Disney a tangible person, one that many can and will relate to, rather than a just a name on a billboard – he made him human. For that, I say, KUDOS to Hanks!

Colin Farrell – plays the believable Mr Goff – the inspiration for the Mr Banks character in both the book and the film. He captures the struggles of fatherhood and the hardships of working a nine-to-five job beautifully, and delivers a very heart wrenching performance.

Introducing:

Annie Rose Buckley as Ginty – as the young Australian actress hits the screens, I have to say that Buckley’s simplicity and well-rounded performance earns her the right to play this vital role. She has an ease in her acting abilities that leaves you aching for her character throughout the film. She supports Farrell well as she plays Goff’s beloved daughter.

Overall, Saving Mr. Banks is a beautiful film. It’s one that everyone will enjoy and one that will leave you in tears – so bring tissues! It’s a great film to understand the other side of Disney.

Star Rating: ★★★★★

Next: The Book Thief

FILM REVIEW | Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Jack Ryan (Chris Pine) was a Marine just serving his country, but when a tragic accident leaves him damaged, he finds himself in the hands of the CIA. With a new opportunity at hand, Ryan finds himself in a sticky situation, one that will determine the world’s economy.

The Story

One word: predictable.

Alright, I’m a little harsh – I know – but let’s face it, when it comes to action films it’s more about how many car chases and gun wounds can they can give the characters. The story in itself was simple: guy serves his country à guy almost dies for his country à guy is given a second shot to serve his country à guy ends up saving his country, and the world – then there’s obviously got to be some Russians in there.

It’s hard to say that action films will go beyond that formula, I mean I know it’s what’s fuelled the action genre’s success, but they could’ve at least thrown in a few more twist and turns in there. Also the execution of introducing characters was slightly sloppy. At times the pace was too fast and you missed vital information for the progression of the story.

On the positive side, there were great action shots, and quirky dialogue, but they weren’t enough to warrant a great deal of care from this reviewer…sorry guys.

The Cast

Chris Pine – the last few years we’ve seen a mixture of things by Pine, action wise, he made Ryan believable. Honestly, I’m not sure if he had much to work with, but I will say the scope of his character was dynamic enough for growth, so I’ll give him one thumbs up for bringing Ryan to life.

Keira Knightly - I was disappointed with Knightly’s performance, particularly her American accent. Its occasional falter wasn’t distracting, but I think her focus was more on sounding American that actually being Cathy. There was no spark between her and Pine at all, that was the most disappointing part of the film. She usually has a great chemistry with her co-stars, but I just didn’t see it here with Pine.

Kenneth Branagh – I have to say that Branagh outshined everyone in this film. I much preferred his character to Pine’s, which says a lot about the film – if you’re on the villain’s side you know there’s something off. He was believable and made you sympathised with Viktor more than Ryan.

Kevin Costner – Bit of a ghost-like guardian in this film, I don’t think Costner’s character really does very much in this film. He is kind of just there – he’s not even the comic relief. I’m not too sure what his role was, but in all honesty he might as well have been Charlie in Charlie’s Angels – a telecom. Again, sorry for the harshness.

Overall the film had no “Wow-factor”. There was nothing new and there was nothing exciting about the film. I mean if you want to prove me wrong, go see it for yourself and comment on this review, otherwise, please save you money for something better. 2014 has more up its sleave, so save up for some of those films!

Star Rating: ★★

Next: Saving Mr. Banks