Up In The Air (2009)
109 Mins.
Starring: George Clooney, Anna Kendrick, Vera Farmiga, Jason Bateman.
Director: Jason Reitman
Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) describes himself as a “termination facilitator”. He basically fires people for a living. He travels throughout the country working for various companies, meeting fellow travelers and living practically out of his suitcase. This accomodates his personality well. He enjoys his time on the road as much as his time at home. He is the quintessential “road warrior” in all sense of the phrase.
Bingham has two women in his life. Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga) who is on the road just as much as he is. They meet in a hotel bar and quickly begin a tricky romantic relationship neither is willing to fully commit to. Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) is a young graduate recently hired to revolutionize the industry. Bingham takes her on the road to show her the ins and outs of being on the road.
George Clooney displays an amazingly subtle yet commanding performance as the title character. He portrays this character with a wide range of depth and emotion as he heads to an unlikely catharsis towards the climax of the film. There is no doubt that Clooney will receive another Oscar nomination for his turn as the isolated “road warrior”.
The two female leads (Farmiga and Kendrick) provide a nice balance to one another and to Clooney’s character. Farmiga acts with a calm that brings a soft sophistication to her character without becoming too contrived. Kendrick provides the opposite. She commands the fast talking know-it-all young graduate with an ease that almost makes you wonder if that is her personality in real life. After this performance new doors will open up for her.
Overall the film is a definite must see. The top-notch acting and screenplay send you on an interesting and emotional journey not to be missed. The director Jason Reitman has yet another hit after the successful “Thank You For Smoking” and last year’s suprise hit “Juno”. My question is: After directing three almost perfect films at only 32, what’s next?
Thank you for your review. I wasn’t sure at first if I wanted to see it or not, but now I totally want to see it! I agree with you about Anna Kendrick. I saw her in New Moon, and she just cracked me up!
this film really wasn’t that good. George was good, but the film as a whole wasn’t that good.
As I said in my review of this movie,
it’s a great movie from an analytical standpoint,
but not all that as a source of entertainment.
good point. have you seen avatar yet, acquired taste?
Not yet, been a bit busy.
It actually opened two weeks back,
I’m still waiting on my contact at the theater for my free tickets.