fire-child

What if you cannot see certain consequences in falling for an AI avatar, in lieu of a human partner? Until it's gone too far to think about stopping?

It's not the first time this kind of theme has ever been done in cinema, but Her does it in a compelling way. Solid storyline, solid acting, solid cinematography and score, and solid direction.

The only real bugbear for me this film has, is not exploring a bit more of the world outside it's core characters - and the world's take on AI at large specifically here. But that's the only ache. Given the quality of this film too, I can let other films tackle that more.

It might benefit saying here. Given how the attraction to the likes of digital avatar AI partners is coming about in a growing minority of people in the 2020s, arguably this film (and others: notably including Ex-Machina and Blade Runner 2049) should be seen by anyone in that minority. By anyone who is contemplating a relationship with a chatbot or AI program today.

Her is one of a group of films rapidly becoming essential cinema - in understanding AI attachments and attraction, and possible benefits and challenges that may give us.

I avoided this for decades, but finally watched it to see if it had the curious cult status it warrants.

Oh man, I wish I had watched this earlier! It is, as other reviewers have said, utter tripe on the one hand - an utterly shameless, ET envying, bargain basement monstrosity, that only young children will look at with any wonder.

I also genuinely feel sorry, for any and all the established actors whose careers were probably finished by it, when just in need of a paycheck. The child disabled actor in particular deserved far better for his career. You can see he puts his heart and soul into trying to make this pile of singing excrement have some feeling.

Now, onto why on earth then it gets 9/10 from me...? Well, on the other hand: it also weirdly succeeds as the most surrealist, dark and bizarre comedy I've seen in many, many years. Although you may want to watch ET before you ever watch this: it'll make it 50 times as funny if you do.

I had huge belly laughs as a 40 something man watching this: more than I have had in a long time. I'll just say vaguely to avoid spoilers: a particular wheelchair journey in nature; the vacuum cleaner; and an end courthouse scene to state a few - had me in absolute stitches. Stand up comics could not do this better, people.

You have to see this at least once, as an adult. Preferably id recommend as part of an adult frat and sorority party, with just enough drinkable and smokeables alongside (legal, of course :). It would make for an unforgettable college bonding, trust me. Kind of like watching Teletubbies did in the same manner at one point back in the 90s, in the same way - only far better.

To sum up: this was, in a way, the last of the film times in the 80s, before CGI and huge scale tent pole filmmaking from the 90s onward made even most knockoffs look ok. It's part of surrealist, unintentional campy comedy gold.

Do not deprive yourself, anybody reading, and just see it. But do this as a social with buddies. If you have a funny bone in you, you'll laugh till you wet yourselves!