Review of Up in the Air (2009) by Bernie S — 13 Jul 2012

Ryan Bingham (Clooney) spends 90% of his life flying around the country to fire employees for certain companies on their behalf. During a stay at a hotel, he meets the witty Alex Goran (Farmiga), and the two embark on an affair in which they meet up everywhere he stops.

In the meantime, he faces the predicament of losing his job to a much younger, much more professional college grad Natalie (Kendrick), but instead the two build a decent business relationship. But those meetings with Alex start to mean a lot more to Ryan, and he begins to wonder if his lonely lifestyle is really right for him.

"Up in the Air" is yet another terrific film helmed by the talented Jason Reitman, better known for his work with Ellen Page in "Juno". Though "Up in the Air" was big at the Oscar's, already has been forgotten by most, and I can't see why.

Most people like romantic comedies because they're so "feel-good" or "heart-warming". Like I was expecting, "Up in the Air" trades those cliches and instead creates a realistic foundation, whether or not it becomes brutal (keep in mind this film doesn't come with an expected happy ending).

The script is simply terrific (showing that Reitman doesn't rely on Diablo Cody to create a great movie), and they're delivered just the way they should be by each of its three, Oscar nominated leads-- George Clooney as usual, is perfect as one of those "average Joe" types, and creates a very likable male lead, Vera Farmiga is great as the witty, sexy, fun blonde, but Anna Kendrick probably gives the best performance of the bunch by portraying a young professional type, and combines post-college blues and a need to fit in with such perfection that it's as if she was born to play this role.

"Up in the Air" works so well because it's fresh, funny, and real-- just what audiences need to see at the movies for once. Recommended.