Evan Wessman (CinematicInceptions) I did not expect a movie like this to have perhaps the most believable vision of the near future I've seen. The look of the world wasn't all techy and white like you usually see in futuristic movies, and instead looked pleasantly tasteful and bright. The technology seemed like a natural evolution of the tech we use now, although the real future will probably have more Apple and Amazon logos. Even Theodore's job of writing personal letters for people felt, sadly, like the future version of buying Hallmark cards for people to "show you care".But of course, the most notable aspect of this movie is the idea that someone could develop an intimate relationship with an AI. I doubt that this kind of thing would be the first implementation of AI if we were to ever create that kind of technology. However, I think this interpretation of AI might be as scary as those of Westworld, Ex Machina, or Blade Runner. Creating an AI that is tailor made to you feels it would be the last nail in the coffin of people not interacting with each other. Despite all the arguments that social media is not actually that social, at least it involves people interacting with other people instead of robots. But at the same time, it can't be denied that Theodore and Samantha's relationship is a real relationship and is even more pure in some ways because it is based solely on their interactions with each other. I don't quite understand how people started dating other people's OS's, but it was not surprising that Theodore was one of many people that had an OS as a significant other.In terms of execution, I think this could have won best picture and definitely deserved its win in Best Original Screenplay. Joaquin Phoenix gave an excellent performance of a deep character, and Scarlett Johannsen did a good job on her voice over. The minor parts were pretty impressive as well with Chris Pratt, Rooney Mara, and especially Amy Adams. Spike Jonze did a fabulous job directing as well, and I'm definitely interested to see his other movies now.The sci-fi and romance genres are not often mixed for obvious reasons, but their combination has resulted in what I qualify to be just short of a masterpiece. I don't think that any other movies should try doing what Her did, but maybe it should encourage other artists to mix genres in effective ways more often. Shape of Water is the closest thing to an imitator that this movie has, which is not to say that it was a rip-off but it could be argued that it rode Her's coattails a bit. I would recommend this to everyone. It won't be most people's favorite movie, but I can't imagine anyone not liking it. If you like movies that make you cry, this will make you happy-cry and sad-cry in equal measure. Seriously, everyone should see this movie. Overall Rating: 8/10.

Dennis Moore The colors for this movie really bothered me. It's a silly thing to complain about, but no one else was and I think it should be mentioned. Also, are we to believe that in the end the OS systems all became self aware and just decided to do their own thing? Couldn't the Apples or Microsofts of this world just reprogram them? Shouldn't Theo get a refund?I get what the director was going for and overall this is not a bad film. It's not a good film either. At times the movie is too mellow for it's own good. It's a slow love story between a really creepy Joaquin Phoenix and his OS. And I do mean slow... and melancholy. The problem I have with this movie is Phoenix's character is just too creepy to make me care. I cannot get into his love story because the character is just too weird. It's almost as if the director or writers didn't think the audience would believe a normal person could fall for their computer so they made the character a super creepy loner type. How did he even manage to get married in the first place? He looks like he is sad and worried all the time.Hey, everyone needs love. I won't judge the fellow for falling for a computer. I think the world could be headed in that direction, but I wish I didn't have to watch this particular relationship develop. I found the love story in Blade Runner 2049 far more believable. If you like awkward pauses and close up shots of Phoenix's mustached face then this is the film for you!

Pjtaylor-96-138044 Set in a future not too far from our own - both in terms of time, technology and thematic ideology, this romantic science-fiction uses a satirical stance to take aim at the way we seem to be constantly more and more in love with the 'smart' screens we keep in our pockets. 'Her (2013)' relies on a kind of clairvoyant central premise, considering the 'insta-famous' social-media uprising - as well as our increasing obsession with both the people creating this 'content' and the devices fuelling our consumption of it - wasn't anywhere near as developed as it is today back when this film was first released. The flick makes a poignant point in the process of its satire, though, by crafting a nuanced, fully developed story that plays counter to the most obvious 'anti-A.I.' ideals, in almost every way possible, and becomes a much more 'real' experience while doing so. It would have been easy to just dismiss its central conceit, to use it as fuel for the fire of its larger satirical context, but instead its chosen path, of exploring the created avenue to its fullest potential, yields unexpected and fairly touching results. These outcomes don't negate the 'don't be consumed by your phone' message, they enhance it in a unique way. Using the titular OS as the person our protagonist knows her to be and pushing this connection as one we all should strive, for no matter in what form it comes, is an inspired and somewhat unexpected move. This kind of multi-layer thematic resonance is incredibly difficult to do but allows for a film rife with meaning, one that begs to be analysed. The fact that it has such a firm grasp on all of its themes, so that it can approach them from every angle and in unconventional ways, is impressive, to say the least. It means that the flick will reach people on a number of levels, whether or not they know why, and makes for an end result that's intelligent, well-crafted and, frankly, rather beautiful. The piece preaches connectivity, while having a number of other appropriate allegorical under-layers, and manages to be very enjoyable all while essentially being an incredibly entertaining two-hour phone-call. That's admirable. 7/10

paid in full The idea for this movie is great. the actors all do a phenomenal job. Ans it is interesting to watch. I felt however that the film lost some power 3/4 of the way through...maybe 2/3. With a powerful finish this movie could be a masterpiece. Still worth the watch.