Profound, funny, thought-provoking, and 100% unique, Her tells the story of an entirely plausible reality of the not-too-distant future. One that delves deep into the meaning of emotion and the human experience. One that boldly and confidently blazes a new path in exploring what makes a relationship and what makes us love one another. Her tells the story of Theodore, a lonely writer who has struggled with love in the past. But as much as this story is about Theodore, it is equally as much about Samantha, a powerful, intelligent OS programmed with the ability to learn, adapt, and grow. As Samantha continually becomes more self-aware, she discovers herself possessing needs and desires and emotions that she is unable to explain or understand, and this frustrates and confuses her. Her urge to learn about everything sheds new light on Theodore's life, and the two quickly fall in love. Samantha discovers herself and evolves into the intelligence she is through Theodore, and he through her. Together, they mold each other's character. These are sincere, authentic characters you will grow attached to, be amazed by, and fall in love alongside. Her is incredibly heartfelt and philosophical, intended only for the open-minded willing to take this astounding, emotionally enlightening journey. [8.6/10]
Reviews
9 Reviews
Improves Upon Everything That Needed Improving
25 November 2013
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire improves upon almost every one of the (already few) imperfections of the first stellar movie. Most notably, the intensely dramatic and emotional scenes are better emphasized this time around. Jennifer Lawrence's portrayal of Katniss is better than ever, though her sister and mother are still lackluster. Hutcherson's performance has improved greatly compared to his first turn. The rest of the A-list cast (Harrelson, Banks, Kravits, Sutherland, Tucci, and newcomer Hoffman) continue to give all-star portrayals. This movie is all around bigger and better than its predecessor. The scope feels larger and the grand scheme of the story is beginning to develop. This movie is darker and more morbid due simply to its story content, and I absolutely love that about it. Again, it was the best possible film adaptation of the book. The main drawback is the somewhat rushed middle section (and some points towards the end). At just under 2.5 hours, I still think they could've added ~15 minutes to expand upon the movie's ideas, themes, and character introductions that happened around that time without turning people away for thinking it's too long. Overall, Catching Fire is one of the few blockbuster sequels that is able to truly outshine the incredible original, and it sets the bar high for two even more hotly anticipated sequels with great promise in their future. 8.9/10
Cloud Atlas
(2012)
A True Cinematic Masterpiece & Ideological Achievement
27 October 2012
Cloud Atlas is a cinematic, story-telling masterpiece with an incredibly deep, meaningful, and thought-provoking philosophy woven into its six interconnected stories about how our choices and external phenomena have life-altering effects not only on ourselves, but also create a ripple effect throughout time and space and affect those around us and even those in the distant future. Cloud Atlas is a bold, passionate, and ambitious movement not to be taken lightly and not for the faint of heart. Completely immerse yourself throughout this three-hour epic. Don't struggle to get comfortable with it. Let it master you, and you will be immensely rewarded with the grand emotional culmination. Yet even still, it demands multiple viewings. Its sophisticated ideology and philosophy will cause one to introvert and reflect on what influences their lives and the expansively possible consequences of their choices, as well as the differences they can make. The Cloud Atlas universe is one full of mystery and wonder, and it takes viewers on a spectacular journey as the plot evolves. There is so much depth here that it appeals to a broad audience as each subplot emphasizes its own genres. The film's cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, and the Academy Award has already been won by the makeup department for their astonishing transformations of the actors, who embody roles of differing race, sex, and ethnicity. Cloud Atlas is a true work of art, a moving, profoundly entertaining cinematic accomplishment, and a standout movie of the decade. It has the power to deeply, psychologically affect its viewers, and its ideas and notions could reverberate for years to come.
The Big Bang Theory
(2007–2019)
Creatively Smart, Funny, and Lovable - TV's Best Sitcom
1 October 2012
The Big Bang Theory is a highly-acclaimed and immensely popular sitcom about a group of intelligent scientists who struggle to cope with their social awkwardness and geeky quirks when a new neighbor shows how truly naive they are to the outside world. A smart and funny twist on the typical boy meets girl story, The Big Bang Theory is a show that everyone can enjoy with its wit and absolutely lovable cast of characters. While the outstanding comedy is what makes the show so immediately enjoyable for the audience, it's the friendships and relationships which keep you watching. The characters are deeply layered, and their personalities are tantalizingly explored beneath their surfaces throughout the story. On another note, the show's scientific accuracy and the cast and crew's devotion and abilities demand tremendous merit. Unlike any other sitcom today, The Big Bang Theory will make you laugh, cry, and will win your heart, and it is well on its way to making smart the new sexy. 8.9/10
The Cabin in the Woods
(2011)
Smart, Interesting, and Entertaining -- A Breakthrough in Horror Films
22 September 2012
One of the most smartly entertaining, inquisitively unique, and surprisingly humorous horror films ever made. As should be expected from the writer of Cloverfield, The Cabin in the Woods takes you on a psychological thrill ride into a place of nightmares where Saw meets The Hunger Games and will surprise and intrigue you as you unravel the story. The movie throws convention aside and takes the genre to a new, deeper level. Fit to entertain all, there is plenty of blood and gore, a host of horrifying creatures, and an interesting and deeply rooted conspiracy. Despite its occasional quirks and flaws, it will satisfy any viewer who enjoys horror and/or thinking movies. 7.8/10
Shame
(2011)
Fassbender's Performance Carries this Emotional and Powerful Drama
31 August 2012
Shame is a raw and provocative story of a man (Michael Fassbender) who is battling an aggressive sex addiction when his sister (Carey Mulligan) moves in. The most proper way I can think to describe the film is disturbingly beautiful. Michael Fassbender carries this movie with his superb performance, dedicating himself to the character. His inner turmoil is accentuated with the beautiful dramatic score. The film itself is exquisitely and artistically shot and contains some extremely long takes, showcasing the skill of the director and the actors. Overall, this movie has some of the greatest acting and cinematography in motion pictures and tells a dramatic, compelling, and emotional story. 7.6/10
Game of Thrones
(2011–2019)
A Series that Transcends Typical Genres
31 August 2012
My philosophy for the structure of a perfect movie holds true in the realm of TV shows, as Emmy Award-winning Game of Thrones brilliantly illustrates. The series transcends the simple and traditional genres of fantasy or myth as its deeply complex story and large, strong cast of rich, colorful, and layered characters convey themes that apply more often to the politics and society of today's world than the mystical Middle Ages. Once you watch Game of Thrones, you quickly lose the sense that you're watching a fantasy as you're engrossed in the characters' epic stories of a struggle for power, love, loss, betrayal, the quest for justice, identity, coming of age, and so many others. This series is truly one that can easily satisfy any and every viewer. 9.0/10
Avatar: The Last Airbender
(2005–2008)
Perhaps the Greatest TV Series of All-Time
31 August 2012
Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the most gripping sagas ever. It's story structure and character development is simply flawless. While being an animated show on a children's network, it has the ability to attract youth and adults alike by blending literally every genre throughout it's story and conveying themes much more mature than those of a typical cartoon. It's a perfect creation by two men with such incredible talent. Their amazing masterpiece is one of the very best things to ever be seen on television or even in theaters. I greatly admire them and will always look forward to and appreciate any of their future works. 9.3/10
The Poker House
(2008)
Slow to get started, but fantastic acting holds it together
13 June 2012
The Poker House is a dramatic independent film starring the young Jennifer Lawrence. As usual, Lawrence's performance was gripping. Personally, I liked The Poker House better than Lawrence's Oscar-nominated role in Winter's Bone, which was also nominated for Best Picture. The Poker House has a major drawback as the first half of the film is very slow and unrevealing story-wise, yet it managed to keep me intrigued. Then, it all turns around after the dramatic climax of the film. The scene, which stands out as one of Jennifer Lawrence's most chilling and petrifying performances, is immediately followed by what is perhaps one of the most beautifully crafted and spectacularly shot monologues I've ever seen, given by Selma Blair. While the timing seems odd, it is a powerful and emotional moment capitalized by the two actresses' talent. The remainder of the film continues to satisfy to its jaw-dropping conclusion. 6.9/10
Tell Your Friends