Tag Archives: Bill Hader

Review: Her (2013)

Her2013PosterHer without a doubt should be considered as a frontrunner for Best Original Screenplay for the Oscars. Its premise of falling inlove with a machine (an operating system) was a reminiscent and was very much like the obsession of Al Pacino’s character to SimoneThis film however took a direction very different from the latter. The year was 2025 and Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), someone who writes under a company named beautifulhandwrittenletters. Theodore was in the brink of divorce with his wife Catherine (Rooney Mara) and was desperately in need of company until he met the OS which he named Samantha. Together, they talked about love and life with Theodore seeking love advise from Samantha (Scarlett Johansson) which eventually led to them falling in love with each other.

Now this seemed to be a bit out of order, yes? But you gotta remember that it’s the year 2025 and falling in love is yes – that simple. Funny thing is, since Sam’s a microchip the two cannot have sex – an indication that the relationship to work in the long run is impossible and there can’t be no physical human connection that could transpire.

I thought Joaquin Phoenix portrayal was very commendable for there was a feel of longing and sadness in his approach which so become him

The premise may not seemed original at all but it’s charming and has character. Director Spike Jonze delivered a passive yet arresting sequences of events that is both endearing and unique.

Director: Spike Jonze
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Pratt, Matt Letscher, Sam Jaeger, Luka Jones, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Spike Jonze, Portia Doubleday, Soko, Brian Cox

Rating: 8/10

*Her  received five Academy Award nominations, including the Best Picture category.

Review: Men In Black 3 in 3D

via wikipedia
via wikipedia

“Men in Black 3” comes 15 years after its original installment and 10 years after its sequel where nobody ever expected to get a follow up after. I, for one did not. Nevertheless, it was a pleasant reminder that Will Smith is still very much alive to do movies.

This third film based on Lowell Cunningham’s comic series had Agent J (Will Smith) travels back to 1969 where he met the younger Agent K (played this time by Josh Brolin.) His mission is to stop the alien criminal Boris from assassinating the young Agent K that would change the course of history.

I am not a fan of the franchise but I remember enjoying the first two films somehow. I just loved the dynamics between Smith and Jones in the previous installments. This time though, Smith does not have a lot of sequences with Jones, which is a shame because they really have a great chemistry. Brolin isn’t a bad replacement though; he’s pretty quick and spot-on as the younger Agent K.

Another problem I have was the establishment of Agent O’s (Emma Thompson) character (also played by Alice Eve.) The scenes were not enough to establish K’s softer side for “them.”

Jemaine Clement who played Boris the animal was a-okay. He was “fierce” enough I guess but does little to be a threatening villain.

This film also goes a little backward in terms of special effects that it almost seemed unreal. I don’t know maybe it’s just me or it’s the effect of 3-D but it felt distant somehow. The film isn’t bad at all but it’s missing the spark of the previous installments that may have made the film a bit lackluster in providing a spectacular comeback sequel.

Rating: 7 / 10

Director: Barry Sonnenfeld

Starring: WillSmith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Jemaine Clement, Emma Thompson, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mike Colter, Nicole Scherzinger, Alice Eve, Will Arnett, David Rasche, Keone Young, Bill Hader, Lady Gaga, Lenny Venito

This Review was posted first in PinoyExchange at the PEx Official Movie Reviews.