Movie Time

A seductive Scarlett Johansson helps make Her one of the strangest movies ever

Spike Jonze’s mindset has always been slightly askew from the majority of those in the entertainment industry. Whether making videos for the Beastie Boys or Bjork, generating ideas for the Jackass TV show and movies, or directing films like Being John Malkovich and Adaptation, any output from Jonze was sure to be memorably peculiar.

But his latest film, Her, is his first total vision. As the sole credited writer and director, Jonze has crafted a film that fits in with his previous work yet stands on its own as an original.

The wonder of the film is how easy it is to get lost in Theodore and Samantha’s blooming love without ever losing sight of the fact that it’s a pairing between a human and a computer.

Set in Los Angeles in the near future, Her follows Theodore Twombley (Joaquin Phoenix), a slightly anti-social person who still manages to be great at his job, which is composing love letters for other people. When a new artificially intelligent operating system for computers comes on the market, Theodore is among the early adopters.

Even in a world where computers can handle even the most menial daily tasks, Theodore is surprised when his OS (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), who goes by the name of Samantha, is as intuitive and lifelike as it/she is. It isn’t long before Theodore starts to experience feelings for Samantha’s disembodied voice and, more interestingly, she for him.

As we live in a world where smartphones and social media increasingly rule our lives, the movie’s central theme is both an out-there concept and one that’s all too plausible. Many people are desperate for any kind of connection in the world, and it’s not that big of a leap to believe that a self-aware OS could be just the kind of relationship those people need.

But at the same time, the film is a deep dive into the intricacies of love, both as it grows and as it dissolves. As Theodore’s friend Amy (Amy Adams) says, “Falling in love is a socially acceptable form of insanity,” and Jonze shows that through Theodore’s relationship with Samantha and in flashbacks with his soon-to-be ex-wife, Catherine (Rooney Mara).

The wonder of the film is how easy it is to get lost in Theodore and Samantha’s blooming love without ever losing sight of the fact that it’s a pairing between a human and a computer. Theodore and Samantha each demonstrate a kind of quiet desperation that makes for some utterly relatable yet mind-bending moments.

And the story isn’t the only way that Jonze messes with the audiences’ heads. Although the film clearly states that it’s set in Los Angeles, the outdoor scenes are a composite of multiple cities, including Asian ones. By showing a future that’s familiar and unfamiliar at the same time, Jonze keeps moviegoers on their toes.

Phoenix is great as Theodore, but he’s helped in no small manner by his mustache, which makes him look vulnerable and more approachable than ever. Whether it’s because it covers up his distinctive scar or something else, it gives him a warmth he’s never had before. His subtle acting is just the cherry on top.

Also fantastic is Johansson, who famously took over for Samantha Morton after Jonze thought Morton’s performance wasn’t working. Johansson gives her all to the role, making it easy to see why someone like Theodore — or anyone else, for that matter — would fall for just her voice.

The only real downside to the film is its relatively slow pace and overall length. With one of the main characters merely a voice, this is as chatty a movie you’ll ever find, which can make things drag at times. Jonze could have helped matters by cutting down the film by 15 or 20 minutes, especially toward the end.

But with its commentary on our tech-obsessed culture and the increasing lack of human connections, Her is another notch in Jonze’s belt as he continues to be one of the most remarkably odd filmmakers working today.

Joaquin Phoenix is as approachable as he's ever been in Her.

Joaquin Phoenix in Her

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Joaquin Phoenix is as approachable as he's ever been in Her.

Weekend event planner

Here are the 14 best things to do in Houston this Christmas weekend

Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

Photo courtesy of Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

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So, Thursday is the big day, when many Houstonians will get together with family and/or friends to celebrate Christmas with presents, egg nog, and a festive meal.

But that doesn’t mean there still won’t be events popping off this weekend. Some are holiday-related (like Stages’ staging of The Twelve Dates of Christmas and the Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet going down in Sugar Land), while others are just some fun things to do (like watching some college football at NRG Stadium or attending the birthday bash of a local punk legend at Dan Electro’s).

Whatever you do, just have a holly, jolly time this weekend.

Thursday, December 25

Toro Toro presents Christmas Brunch
Embark on a brunch journey over at Toro Toro this Christmas. Executive chef Jonathan Esparza and his team have prepared an extensive, Christmas brunch buffet menu, featuring a selection of traditional holiday dishes and interactive stations. Brunch is priced at $145 per adult and $65 per child (11 and under; children 5 and under eat free). Dinner will also be served a la carte from 5:30 to 10 pm. 10 am.

Juliet Steakhouse & Fine Dining presents Holiday Buffet Feast
Juliet will be serving up a fabulous Christmas Day buffet, priced at $59 for adults and $28 for kids 12 and under (children under 5 dine free). The buffet includes carved-to-order turkey and filet mignon, plus sides such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, candied yams, cornbread dressing, mac and cheese, collard greens, dinner rolls, Caesar salad, and lobster bisque. Desserts include peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, and assorted cookies. Noon.

The Flat presents DJ Sun’s A James Brown Christmas Tribute
DJ Sun will be giving the gift of funk, with The Flat’s annual James Brown musical tribute. Flash Gordon Parks will also be spinning some cuts written, produced, and/or performed by the hardest-working man in show business. Special holiday cocktails will also be served, so pull up and close out Christmas night the right way: by getting funky with it! 8 pm.

Friday, December 26

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Little Kid Flicks and Big Kid Flicks
A holiday season favorite at the MFAH, Kid Flicks is a compilation of fun, artful, inspired, and thought-provoking short film compilations presented in partnership with the New York International Children’s Film Festival. These award-winning short films offer a chance to explore new frontiers from around the world, across the street, and the ever-expanding boundaries of our own perspectives. Little Kid Flicks is designed for ages 5 and up. Big Kid Flicks is designed for ages 8 and up. 11:30 am and 2 pm.

Downtown Houston+ presents Movies Under the Stars: The Fighting Temptations
As part of their Movies Under the Stars series, Downtown Houston+ will present a screening of the 2003 comedy The Fighting Temptations, where our own Beyoncé Knowles-Carter stars as a talented young singer who helps a childhood friend (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) revive a struggling church choir, at Trebly Park. Visitors are encouraged to grab takeout from a surrounding restaurant and bring their own lawn blanket to enjoy the screening. 6:30 pm.

Improv Houston presents Marcus D. Wiley
The son of a preacher, Christian comedian (and former Texas Southern University professor) Marcus D. Wiley's charismatic style of delivery is clean, captivating, funny, and knowledgeable. He provides lots of laughter along with a guaranteed message on being a better you. Earlier this year, Wiley released his third, hour-long special Marriage Is Major Surgery (executive-produced by Houston stand-up star Ali Siddiq) on YouTube. 7:30 and 9:45 pm (7 pm Saturday).

Stages presents The Twelve Dates of Christmas
After seeing her fiance kiss another woman at the televised Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mary’s life falls apart — just in time for the holidays. Over the next year, she stumbles back into the dating world. It seems nothing can help Mary’s growing cynicism, until the charm and innocence of a five-year-old boy unexpectedly brings a new outlook on life and love. This heartwarming one-woman play offers a hilarious and modern alternative to the old standards of the holiday season. 7:30 pm (3 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 3 pm Sunday).

Saturday, December 27

Wonky Power presents Jazz & Jokes
A new night of stand-up, cocktails, and live jazz will debut inside one of Houston’s most intimate creative rooms. Jazz & Jokes brings together two of the best live experiences — laughter and live music — curated for a cozy, seated evening at Wonky Power. Featuring a rotating cast of special stand-up comedians from Houston and beyond, paired with a live jazz band setting the mood all night, this night will offer a warm, relaxed atmosphere, great drinks, and a room built for performance. 7 pm.

Kinder's Texas Bowl: Houston vs. LSU
The 2025 Kinder's Texas Bowl will feature a matchup between the Houston Cougars of the Big 12 Conference, making its 31st all-time bowl appearance, and the LSU Tigers of the Southeastern Conference. Houston enters the Texas Bowl ranked No. 21 in the College Football Playoff rankings with a 9-3 overall record, its best record since 2021. This will mark the first time the Cougars have played in the Bowl since 2007. 8:15 pm.

The Garden Theatre presents Cruel Intentions
Based on the 1999 teen flick, Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical pulls audiences into the manipulative world of Manhattan’s most dangerous liaisons: Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil. Fueled by revenge and passion, the diabolically charming step-siblings place a bet on whether or not Sebastian can deflower their incoming headmaster’s daughter, Annette Hargrove. The musical features throwback hits by artists like Christina Aguilera, 'NSYNC, and Britney Spears. Through Sunday, January 11. 8 pm (2 and 8 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

Goode Co. Armadillo Palace presents Roger Creager Piano Bar
Award-winning country singer/Texas native Roger Creager will be in town to do a post-Xmas set at Goode Co. Armadillo Palace. With more than a dozen No. 1 singles on the Texas Music Chart and Entertainer of the Year honors from both CMA Texas and the Texas Music Awards, Creager brings a mix of road-tested songwriting and bold melodies. Dine on authentic Texas fare, including signature house favorites the Damn Goode Burger and the Damn Goode Margarita. 9 pm.

Sunday, December 28

Dan Electro’s presents J.R.’s Birthday Bash
Houston punk pioneer (and all-around good guy) J.R. Delgado has been a member of multiple punk, hardcore and garage rock bands. He was also the owner of the legendary rock club The Axiom in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. This weekend, he’lll be celebrating his 70th birthday at Dan Electro’s, and he’ll be having a free throwdown everyone is invited to. Hickoids, Jane Woe, and Bastard Union will be providing the live jams, while DJ LP will be spinning music all day. 1 pm.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
|Over at Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land, Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will highlight an international cast and Ukrainian principal artists performing at the peak of classical European ballet. Audiences will be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and hand-crafted sets and costumes. Share the tradition of pure holiday magic and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with friends and family of all ages. 3 pm.

Arthouse Houston presents Hedwig and the Angry Inch with John Cameron Mitchell
Arthouse Houston will present a one-night-only event of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, with star/creator John Cameron Mitchell. The 2001 indie musical classic (based on Mitchell’s off-Broadway play) follows Hedwig, an East Berliner transplant and lead singer in a band, who is chasing down his ex for stealing his songs. The screening will be accompanied by a live director's commentary by Mitchell, and followed by a live music set led by Mitchell, with band members Amber Martin and Chapman Welch. (Read CultureMap’s exclusive interview with Mitchell here.) 7:30 pm.

Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

Photo courtesy of Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will perform in Sugar Land this weekend.

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