Her

Set in a future Los Angeles, writer-director Spike Jonze's quirky, quixotic, Oscar-winning sci-fi fantasy love story explores the themes of loneliness and alienation in the age of technology. Depressed Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) is a frustrated former newspaperman who is paid to compose touching “handwritten letters” for customers. Emotionally adrift since the breakup of his marriage to Catherine (Rooney Mara), he's intrigued with a new, advanced computer operating system—an artificial intelligence that promises to supply him with a uniquely intuitive companion. This sentient, Siri-like entity turns out to be Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), who not only satisfies Theodore's every desire but also manages to get a collection of his letters published as a book. Soon a bizarre courtship develops, along with field trips and double-dates, while Samantha expands the scope of her knowledge and develops her consciousness. Jonze has fashioned an ambitious, touching, distinctively relevant story involving cell phones, texting, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media. Phoenix proves his versatility as sensitive, lovelorn Theodore, while Amy Adams and Chris Pratt shine in small secondary roles. Although never seen on-camera, Johansson delivers a seductive, tour de force voiceover performance. A sadly surreal screwball comedy/drama that subtly yet also sincerely explores how we perceive and interact with those around us, Her is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include “Love in the Modern Age” conversations with director Spike Jonze and others (13 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is filmmaker Lance Bangs's “making-of” featurette “The Untitled Rick Howard Project” (25 min.), a “How Do You Share Your Life with Somebody” promo (4 min.), and bonus DVD and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for one of 2013's best films.] (S. Granger)