Up In the Air

Released December 2009

Directed by Jason Reitman

Starring: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick

First Viewing: February 11^th 2010

Roger – 2.5/5 stars

 Okay. Don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of George Clooney. I think he’s enjoyable to watch. I am also a fan of Jason Reitman (yay Canadian!), who can be quite clever. So I was looking forward to Up in the Air, although my original feeling was that it was a “renter.” After the Golden Globes started the Oscar race, however, I decided it was time to get along down to my local theatre and see the best picture nominee for myself.

Up in the Air is a smart little story about Ryan (Clooney) who is happy with his lot in life. In particular, he works for a company that is hired by other companies to professionally fire staff. He loves how he can conveniently live life out of a suitcase, without any relationships or responsibilities weighing him down. Ryan’s pleasant, cavalier lifestyle is threatened when a young college grad (Kendrick) is hired and promises to revolutionize the company, effectively putting Ryan, and others like him, out of a job. His “I am an island” theory is thrown for a loop when he meets the female version of himself (Vera Farmiga) who seems too good to be true.

This is a familiar scenario, both on screen and in life, and Ryan’s type of character is nothing new. This movie is having a bit of fun with the times we live in, but that is as clever as it gets. Clooney is his amiable, bachelor self in this role, and while he and the movie are enjoyable…it’s nothing fantastic. In fact, with all the buzz surrounding this movie, Up in the Air was a letdown. It was predictable and even (gasp!) boring. There is also no real feeling of resolution with the characters; the learning curve is absent. I’m not saying I need hysterical realizations, but flat characters who go through experiences just to remain the same…well, isn’t that a little…pointless? Anna Kendrick was the only fresh and really exceptional performance here; Clooney and Farmiga should not be getting Oscar nods.

Up in the Air wasn’t bad – it had its charming and clever little moments, and I am sure somewhere out there is a niche audience just salivating over it. However, it’s not incredibly original, there are no superbly powerful performances, and no dazzling special effects. I was right when my initial reaction told me it was a “renter.” There are more captivating movies out there.