REVIEW: Up in the Air

Plot summary for Up in the Air from moviefone.com:

Juno's Jason Reitman heads into corporate America territory once again with this adaptation of Walter Kirn's novel Up in the Air for Montecito Pictures. The plot surrounds a human resource administrator (George Clooney) whose life up in the friendly skies becomes his only world as he works to reach his ten-millionth frequent flyer mile. Jason Bateman and Vera Farmiga co-star in the Paramount Pictures production.

Critics keep referring to Up in the Air as a "movie of our time," a reflection of the issues of today and the economy. While this is partially true (Clooney's character is a "termination facilitator," coming in to fire employees when their bosses are too weak to) it seems more a study of a man very critical of relationships and the circumstances that lead to the overthrow of this conviction. The cynicism of Clooney's character Ryan Bingham is almost too hard to believe at times. His "what's in your backpack?" theory encourages people to sever all ties, both material and human and to live a life of solitude. He enjoys a scattering of "single-serving friends" (to quote Fight Club), but without allowing lasting connections. Can anyone really espouse this as their one true value?

Even with this underlying cynicism, Clooney still makes Ryan Bingham into a character that we can't help but care about. But this may have more to do with good casting by director Jason Reitman than any great character development of the screenplay. I mean, who doesn't like George Clooney? You'd have to try really hard to make Clooney unlikable. While Bingham's eventual comeuppance is obvious from the start, its even more painful than one would expect given the surprising connection you feel to the character.

Another point on the casting, Clooney and Farmiga have amazing chemistry together, bouncing lines off each other like Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, all with subtle sexual undertones. It almost makes you wish they would co-star in a romantic comedy. Almost.

The director, Jason Reitman, has a subtle light touch, but still finds times to be inventive. For example,the ballet-like routine of Bingham's packing and maneuver through airport security is charming and fantastically entertaining.

All in all, Up in the Air is a wonderful movie, beautifully shot and acted. Definitely one to see.

Kinsey: 5/5 stars Wade: 5/5 stars