Her

Directed & Written By: Spike Jonze

Starring:

Joaquin Phoenix

Scarlett Johansson

Amy Adams

Rooney Mara

Olivia Wilde

 

The past is just a story we tell ourselves. – Samantha

 

Her is Spike Jonze’s groundbreaking and heartbreaking romantic/dramedy film.

 

It follows the story of Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer, who after a tough divorce buys an OS. An OS (Operating System) is an Artificial Intelligence that is suited to the user. He bonds with Samantha, his new OS and the two develop an unlikely relationship.

 

Now I know people are going to think that this is just an oddball romance with a loner and his computer but it is far from it. Yes it’s odd at times but it is a touching story that will impress all movie fans.

 

Joaquin Phoenix never ceases to amaze. He is just brilliant as ever, even though his character can be out of his comfort zone, which just shows that he is one of the best actors of today. He will make you laugh, he can make you cry but seemingly he can’t win an Oscar. Bullshit.

 

However, despite the fact that he didn’t get a deserved Oscar nomination he wins the audience’s hearts once again. All of the supporting cast are amazing however it is Joaquin who carries the film as it is mostly just him acting by himself.

 

The colourful and vibrant cinematography, the excellent score, the clever and funny screenplay, the brilliant directing and the amazing performance Her is my favourite romantic film ever. By the way, Silver Linings Playbook is better but it is more of a dramedy than a romantic film.

 

10/10 – Michael

N/A – Cody

100%

 

#4 On Michael’s list of favourite movies of 2013

 

Man Of Steel

Directed By: Zack Snyder

Written By: David S. Goyer

Story By: David S. Goyer & Christopher Nolan

Starring:

Henry Cavill

Amy Adams

Michael Shannon

Russell Crowe

Kevin Costner

Diane Lane

Laurence Fishburne

 

You are not alone – General Zod

 

Man Of Steel is the newest Superman movie. I myself am not a Superman fan but i liked this film a lot.

 

This Superman film is it’s own movie and starts from the beginning, the destruction of Krypton. Foreseeing the destruction, Jor-El steals the Codex, Krypton’s energy source to send his son Kal to a safe planet, Earth. Meanwhile, General Zod attempts a coup to save Krypton and is imprisoned for killing Jor-El in the process. Fast-forward years later, Clark Kent (Kal-El) is trying to hide his identity from journalist Lois Lane and from the returning General Zod, who plans to rebuild Krypton on Earth.

 

Zack Snyder carries over some of his techniques from 300 such as the odd bit of slow-motion and a lot of CGI but his direction is used to good effect.

 

Henry Cavill does a good job as Superman and commands a good presence, which is required when approaching such a role. Although he is not in the film long.

 

Russell Crowe is good as Jor-El and follows in the footsteps of greats like Marlon Brando when playing Jor-El excellently.

 

Amy Adams plays the independent and brash Lois Lane very well as she doesn’t take anyone’s rubbish.

 

Kevin Costner suprised me, as I have always thought he was wooden as an actor but he managed to make a small role significant and memorable.

 

However the best part of Man of Steel is Michael Shannon’s menacing, haunting and psychotic portrayal of General Zod. Being 6 foot 4 inches does give him an advantage when commanding a huge presence. At one stage I was rooting for the bad guy as his performance is so good you believe in his character.

 

Overall, Man of Steel is a very entertaining movie.

 

8/10 – Michael

5/10 – Cody

4/10 – Matthew

N/A – Jason

N/A – John

56%

 

 

See also: Cody’s Superman Returns Review

 

American Hustle

Directed By: David O. Russell

Written by: Eric Warren Singer & David O. Russell

Starring:
Christian Bale
Bradley Cooper
Amy Adams
Jennifer Lawrence
Louis C.K
Michael Pena

Did you ever have to find a way to survive and you knew your choices were bad, *but* you had to survive ?– Irving Rosenfeld

American Hustle is David O. Russell’s fantastic follow-up to his 2012 film Silver Linings Playbook.

This film is about a con man Irving Rosenfeld (Bale) and his partner in crime Sydney Prosser (Adams) who are forced to work with FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Cooper) who uses them to try and take down corrupt politicians.

This movie is filled with rich characters, amazing performances and a great story. This film is marvellously directed by David O. Russell. It’s so packed with fun and enjoyable moments, that I would recommend it to anyone.

A moment that shows the character of Irving Rosenfeld extremely well is the opening scene in which he puts together an over-elaborate comb over of his, I thought this was a great showcase of his character.

Jennifer Lawrence’s character of Irving’s wife Rosalyn Rosenfeld, has a few brilliant moments in this movie, most of which involve her arguing with Irving.

American Hustle has to be my favourite film of 2013 and it fully deserves all of the critical acclaim it is receiving and I am really looking forward to David O. Russell’s next film as he is fast becoming one of my favourite directors.

10/10 – Cody

10/10 – Michael

100%

#1 on Cody’s list of favourite movies of 2013
#3 on Michael’s list of favourite movies of 2013