Her

 
It would be an understatement to say that Spike Jonze is a quirky filmmaker; from “Being John Malkovich” through his many music videos and shorts and through even the dismal failure of “Where the Wild Things Are,” the director has tackled on-the-edge themes and projects. Here he explores love in the age of the electronic machine by mating a depressed single man — heartbroken after the end of a long relationship — with a computer operating system that takes on a life of its own. Joaquin Phoenix plays a complex, soulful man who makes his living writing touching, personal letters for other people; when he upgrades his computer to a new, advanced operating system he encounters “Samantha,” a bright, female voiced (Scarlett Johansson) intuitive and unique entity that becomes his best friend and, eventually, his lover. It’s warm and fuzzy and imminently enjoyable, as the film explores the ups and downs of what we know will be a doomed relationship. Phoenix gives a cavalier performance. Extras: “Her: Love in the Modern Age” featurette. Blu-ray adds “The Untitled Rick Howard Project,” “How Do You Share Your Life With Somebody.” Vitals: Director: Spike Jonze. Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Scarlett Johansson. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: R, 126 min., Drama, Box office gross: $25.240 million, Warner.