RUSH (2013)

Genre: Drama
Running Length: 2:03
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Bruhl, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara
Director: Ron Howard

Ron Howard'a RUSH is a very different kind of sports movie. The ones I have been exposed to are usually about the underdog going against all odds to beat the giants and wins the championship in the end. The "good guy" and "bad guy" are clearly defined. I love those movies so I was pleasantly surprised that I actually enjoyed this movie - a true story which presents a balanced view of the rivalry between two race car drivers in Formula One racing, an inherently non-cinematic sport. The movie's strength lies in the character study of the two drivers (James Hunt vs Niki Lauda), the forces that motivate them and the mutual love/hate for each other. Oh, it's not all serious drama as it balances out with plenty of tension in the racing sequences especially the rainy finale in Japan (probably fuelled by Hans Zimmer's booming score). Ron Howard's filming approach is very different from his previous movies; it's actually "refreshing" although the film is set in the 1970s. The details given to that period is impeccable especially the recreation of the 1976 Formula One season. It also educates the viewers of the dangers of F1 racing circa 70s/early 80s. There are many personal leadership lessons one can learn from the two characters but the biggest lesson I walked away from this film - although we know that the majority of the time the race of life is against ourselves, sometimes we need a challenger to push one another to the glorious finishing line.

Rating: 8.5/10

HER (2014)

Genre: Science Fiction/Drama
Running Length: 2:00
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson (voice), Rooney Mara, Amy Adams, Matt Letscher, Chris Pratt, Olivia Wilde, Portia Doubleday
Director: Spike Jonze

Spike Jonze has a beautiful mind indeed. His latest film; HER, is an ambitious cinematic endeavour which explores the unconventional relationship between human and sentient machines.  Jonze's universe seems to suggest that technology brings us closer but yet it also drives us further apart. We yearn to connect but yet somehow technology has literary driven a wedge between us causing our inability to connect in a real intimate face-to-face way with other human beings. It's only when we are engaging behind a "screen", we are our true self. This is heavy stuff and causes viewers to reflect on their relationships. The technical aspects of the movie is brilliant. As the events in the movie transpire at an unspecified time in the near future,  much details have been put in to ensure realism throughout; from the beautiful city skyline to the fashion and choice of furniture (it has a 70s feel). Viewers actually do not question the plausibility of Joaquin Phoenix's character having an intimate relationship with an operating system (OS), voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Phoenix gives one of his best performance - his character is vulnerable, sympathetic and lost. But Johansson (or her voice) steals the show as even a simple ‘sigh' is done with so much sincerity and ache. Also, the film is visually pleasing to the eyes (the little moments are never lost) and Arcade Fire's score is beautiful. All these aside, I felt the film would have been more powerful if it was a shorter, perhaps a 1 hour feature. Nevertheless, for those who enjoy 'contemplative science fiction', you'll thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Rating: 8/10