Up in the Air: Film Review

I adore this film. Finally, a romantic comedy that's both romantic and comedic...and good drama to boot. It's well written. It's not too long, it's not too short -- it's just tells the story and I wasn't left unsatisfied. Jason Reitman did a great job directing and this is far superior to Juno. Though, the wedding sequence being shot in a different style than the rest of the film threw me for a loop. The musical score is one of the best I've heard in years; it compliments the film very well. Last but not least and the main topic of tonight...the actors are impeccable.

Clooney is magnificent and so on top of his game it's sick. He's every character I've ever seen him play and liked, rolled into one. He's funny, he's sarcastic, he's sincere and loving, and he's also...pretty much an asshole. He fires people for a living and never thinks twice about what that really means. He loves his life on the road and his attitude but also his empty apartment "back home" serves beautifully to prove that.

Vera Farmiga is as beautiful as ever and also brought her A-game. She does wonderfully as Clooney's female counterpart and is great dramatic tool. While I'll never get her using a stunning Boston accent out my head...she did just fine here. Better than fine.

Anna Kendrick surprised me most. In fact, she was my favorite character. When she first appeared on screen I thought I'd be completely annoyed by her. Her character comes on very strong and over confident and is the type I'd be agitated by easily. This didn't happen though. Not at all. I found out quickly that while her character is young, she's wise beyond her years and knows what she wants...even if it is a little over-specific (part of the humor). I fell in love with her when she broke down crying in the hotel lobby -- it's easily one of the film's funniest moments because it's so completely out of nowhere.

The little bit Jason Bateman is in the film is a joy as well. I'm so used to seeing him play the funny guy that I was taken by surprise seeing him play someone who, at his core, is really a cold-hearted bastard.

What I dug most about this film (even more than the double entendre title) was its...to say the least...unconventional ending. I didn't see it coming and I love when that happens in film. Every character learns some lessons and they all learn them in just about the worst possible way. It's heartbreaking as a matter of fact. This film has just about everything really and deserves some nominations (at least) come Oscar time. See it.